To say that she was hot property would be an understatement. The Abhinaya Saraswathi, as she was quickly christened, suddenly appeared in every other film, and became the top heroine in Telugu and Kannada cinema as well -- but she was mostly the lucky mascot of MGR movies.
To quote herself, she was working 'more than 20 hours a day.' Pathbreaking movies like Kittooru Rani Chennamma followed, where Saroja Devi's energetic performance as a patriotic queen raging against the British brought her much acclaim.
Movies such as Periya Idathu Penn raised her graph, Tamil superhits such as Paalum Pazhamum, Aadip Perukku, Aalaya Mani, Puthiya Paravai made her a rage.
Her Telugu hits were Seetha Rama Kalyanam and Jagadeka Veeranukatha with NTR, while her Hindi films included Paigham, Pareekhsha, and Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya.
Crowned Chaturbhaasha Taare, because of her popularity in these four languages, it's impossible to list all her films. Her unique, mincing accent, smart and perky attitude -- not to mention that indefinable allure that accompanied her -- made her special.
In the picture: With MGR in Periya Eatahtu Pen.
Also Read: Pulijanmam's National Award
Advertisement
