A tribute program was organized recently at the Chamarajpet Artists’ Association in memory of senior actress and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. B. Saroja Devi, who passed away last month. The event, led by producer-actor Rockline Venkatesh, was attended by artistes and technicians from the Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil film industries.
The program was jointly organized by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Directors’ Association, Producers’ Association, and Artists’ Association. It began with floral tributes to a portrait of Saroja Devi, followed by a video presentation on her life and career.
Speaking at the event, Rockline Venkatesh said the decision to hold the program at the Artists’ Association was because of Saroja Devi’s contribution to the construction of the building. He noted that the entire film industry had come together for the event and that actors Nassar and Kalavathi had attended from other film industries. He recalled that Dr. Rajkumar’s dream of building an Artists’ Bhavan was fulfilled by Ambareesh, and that Saroja Devi served as president during its construction.
Sumalatha Ambareesh said Saroja Devi left a lasting mark in the film industry and that her songs were still popular in India and abroad. She remembered Saroja Devi as someone who treated Ambareesh like a younger brother and as a person who balanced her professional and personal life effectively. She said Saroja Devi’s efforts, along with those of Rajkumar and Ambareesh, played a role in making the building possible, and urged artistes to make good use of it.
Actor Nassar, who travelled from Chennai, shared memories of his association with Saroja Devi.
Film Chamber President Narasimhulu, actors Anu Prabhakar, Raghu Mukherjee, Nenapirali Prem, Chief Minister Chandru, Sundar Raj, Girija Lokesh, and others participated in the program and shared their experiences. Saroja Devi’s daughter was also present at the event.