It is well known that senior actress B. Saroja Devi passed away on Monday. She had an illustrious career spanning from 1955, captivating audiences across South Indian film industries with her versatile performances. In Telugu cinema, she shared the screen with legends like NTR and ANR, contributing to several iconic films. Over her career, she acted in more than 200 films across multiple languages.

Saroja Devi had been suffering from health complications and breathed her last on July 14. Despite her health struggles, she expressed a noble wish — to donate her eyes after her death. She had formally pledged her eyes to Narayana Nethralaya, an eye hospital she frequently visited. Honoring her wish, the hospital promptly harvested and preserved her corneas after her passing.

The medical team at Narayana Nethralaya confirmed this and mentioned that her corneas will soon be transplanted to those in need. This generous act has earned admiration from cinephiles and the public, who are lauding her compassion even in death.

At 87, Saroja Devi was a beloved star, especially during the black-and-white era of cinema. While today’s younger generation may not be very familiar with her, she was a leading heroine and an icon during the 1950s and 60s, delivering memorable performances in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films.

Her demise is a significant loss to the South Indian film industry, especially coming just a day after the death of veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao on July 13. The back-to-back losses have left the industry in deep mourning. Many Telugu cinema celebrities have paid heartfelt tributes to Saroja Devi, remembering her not only for her cinematic legacy but also for her kind-heartedness.