Saroja Devi donates her eyes: Veteran actress B Saroja Devi, one of the brightest stars of Indian cinema’s golden era, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. She breathed her last at her Bengaluru residence in Malleswaram, succumbing to age-related ailments.
Years before her passing, Saroja Devi had pledged to donate her eyes, a wish she fulfilled even in death. Officials from Narayana Nethralaya confirmed that her corneas were successfully retrieved and will soon help restore vision for two individuals.
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“She had spoken to our chairman personally about her desire to donate her eyes when she visited for a check-up. It’s been about five years since she officially registered for eye donation,” said a representative from the Dr Rajkumar Eye Bank at Narayana Nethralaya to the media.
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The official added, “Both her corneas are in good condition and will be transplanted within the next couple of days.”
Her final journey will begin on Tuesday, when her mortal remains will be taken from Bengaluru to her native village, Dasavara, in Channapatna taluk of Ramanagara district.
Also Read: Who was Saroja Devi? The actress who headlined 161 films without a break passes away
As per Vokkaliga customs, her last rites will be performed there. Her son, Gowtham, confirmed the details, saying, “The body will leave Bengaluru at around 11:30 am for Dasavara.”
B Saroja Devi’s contribution to Indian cinema is monumental. With over 200 films to her name, she was a reigning star across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema for more than seven decades.
At just 17, she made her debut in the Kannada classic ‘Mahakavi Kalidasa’ (1955). Her entry into Telugu cinema came with ‘Panduranga Mahatyam’ (1957), and soon she became a household name across the southern film industries.
It was the Tamil blockbuster ‘Nadodi Mannan’ (1958), opposite the legendary M.G. Ramachandran, that shot her to superstardom. Her poise, expressive eyes, and impeccable dance skills made her one of Tamil cinema’s most beloved actresses.
Saroja Devi also left her mark in Bollywood with films like ‘Paigham’ (1959), where she starred alongside Dilip Kumar.
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