Wednesday, May 23, 2012

INDHA NADAGAM - PAALUM PAZHAMUM






B. Saroja Devi (Kannadaಬೀ. ಸರೋಜಾ ದೇವಿ) is an Indian actress. She has acted in KannadaTamilTelugu and Hindi movies. She is referred to as "Abinaya Saraswathi" by Kannada film industry and as "Kannadathu Paingili" (meaning Kannada's Parrot) by Tamil Film Industry. She has acted in nearly 200 films in a period of more than three decades.[1]Saroja Devi is one of the most successful female film stars in the history of Indian cinema and she was at her peak as the main female lead in films in the period 1958-85.Saroja Devi received Padma Bhushan, third highest civilian award, in 2002 and in 1969, she was honoured with the Padma Sri, the fourth-highest civilian honour, by the Government of India.

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[edit]Early life

Saroja Devi was born in Karnataka on 7 January 1938 to Bhairappa and Rudramma. Her father worked for the police department. Saroja Devi was their fourth daughter. But this wasn't a happy occasion for her family, especially her grandfather, Mayanna Gowda. Bhairappa managed to overrule him and insist on raising the child.[2] Her father asked her to learn dance and encouraged her to venture into films when film offers started coming to her. A young Saroja Devi was often chaperoned to studios by him. He frequently tied her salangais, and often massaged her swollen feet after her dancing stints.[citation needed]
Saroja Devi was first spotted by B.R. Krishnamurthy singing at a function at the age of 13.[3] Initially, she declined his offer to act in movies. She debuted with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasain 1955

[edit]Film career

[edit]Early career as lead actress (1955–69)

Saroja Devi's first big break came in the Honnappa Bhagavatar's Kannada film, Mahakavi Kalidasa, in 1955, for which she won a National Award. It was followed by B R Panthulu's Thanga Malai Ragasiyam, where her eyes enacted a magical drama, in a dance sequence.Her debut movie in Telugu was Panduranga Mahatyam (1957) in which she acted opposite N.T. Rama Rao.After this she came under the notice of the MGR for the very first time, on K Subramaniam's sets and MGR casted her in Nadodi Manan(1958).
People doubted her ability to speak Tamil, but MGR had faith in her and encouraged her to learn and speak Tamil and casted her in his home production Nadodi Mannan in 1958 as well.It was the Tamil film Nadodi Mannan opposite MGR in 1958 that catapulted Saroja Devi to superstar status in Tamil Film industry.After this she immediately received offer to make her Hindi debut opposite Dilip Kumar in Paigam(1959). She never allowed any one to dub for her and insisted that she would speak by herself as a result none of her Tamil movies her voice was dubbed by any other artiste since the beginning of her career.Then she gave hits opposite Gemini Ganesan in Manalane Mangayin Bhagyam, Kalyana Parisu, Ode Velaiyadu papa, Kairasi and opposite Sivaji Ganeshan in Baga Pirivinai,Vidi Velli,Palum Pazhamum, Iruvar Ullam(1958 till 1960).After this she started getting offers from Tamil,Kannada, and Telugu films. She was working more than 20 hours a day in this peak period of her career(1960–69).[4]She became the number one female lead actress of the period 1959-69 in Tamil films.
She was cast always opposite the much high in demand stars of respective film industries :NTRANR in Telugu, MGRSivaji GaneshanGemini Ganesan in Tamil and Rajkumar in Kannada.Saroja chose to do more films in Tamil in the period 1958-1969 and after her mairrage she was more active in Kannada and Telugu films from (1970–1984).
Saroja Devi's energetic performance as a patriotic queen raging against the British in Kannada flick Kittooru Rani Chennamma, which won the national award for Best Film in 1963, brought her much acclaim.[4] Her Telugu hits were Seetha Rama Kalyanam and Jagadeka Veeranukatha in 1961 with NTR, while her hits in Hindi films included Paigham (1959), Sasural (1960), Opera House (1961), Pareeksha, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya(1963) and Beti Bete (1964) and in addition Kannada hits like Chintamani(1957), School Master(1958), Jagajyothi Basaveshwara (1959), Kitturu Chennamma (1962).It was at this time in 1962 that she was crowned "Chaturbhaasha Taare", because of her popularity in these four languages.[citation needed] She had mincing accent, smart and perky attitude and this made her popular among the audience of all the four languages.[citation needed] She concentrated more in Tamil films as a result though she had all her films as hits in Hindi, after Preet Na Jane Reet opposite Shammi Kapoor she did not do more Hindi films.
Another leading Telugu actress Krishna Kumari had dubbed her voice in Panduranga Mahatyam for Saroja devi and few more films in the initial part of her career in Telugu Films. But in subsequent years, without any external source of dubbing, Saroja Devi acted in her Telugu films.For her films in Hindi, Kannada and Tamil she always dubbed for herself since the beginning of her career.
MGR Saroja Devi established a popular on screen pair and had back to back superhits from 1958-1967.The pair who began with Naadodi Mannan, went on to give back to back 27 blockbusters[5]the most popular being Thirudathey, Thai Sollai Thattathey, Paasam,Thaayaikaatha Thanayan, Asai Mugam, Periya Idathu Penn, Dharmam Thalaikkakkum, Neethikku Pin Pasam, Pannakkara Kudumbam,Padakoti, Nadodi, Thalibahakiyam, Naan Anayittaal, Petralthaan Pillaiya and Parrakkum Pavai. Her best performances opposite MGR were the 'rich girl' roles in Anbe Vaa, Enga Veettu Pillai, En Kadamai, Pana Thottam and Thayin Madiyil.She made a fashion statement too as women adored her dressing sense and her saris and blouses, ornaments, hairstyles were copied by girls and women.[6]

[edit]Later career as lead actress (1970–85)

After Jayalalitha become a star and her pair with MGR was appreciated and after Saroja got married in 1967, Sarojadevi did not get the opportunity to work opposite MGR. Saroja Devi's last film oppsoite MGR was Arasa Katalai, which also starred Jayalalithaa. However Saroja continued having hits opposite Sivaji like En Thambi, Anjal Petti 520, Thenum Palum, Arunothayam and with Gemini in Panamaa Paasama, Thamarai Nenjam, Malathy, Kann Malar etc. She was cast with younger heroes like Ravichandran in Odum Nadhi(1969) and R.Muthuraman in 1974 in Paththu Matha Bandham(her last film in Tamil) which were successful too.
From 1970,she started to get few offers in Tamil Cinema.But this only resulted in she becoming the highest paid actress in Kannada films and was more active in Kannada films in seventies.She acted in films such as Sri Renukadevi Mahathme, Gunavanthudu, Shani Prabhava and Katha Sangama.She won accolades from critics in films opposite Dr. Raj Kumar in Kannada for her performances in MalamaPavada (1969), Nyayave Devaru(1971), Sri Srinivasa Kalyana(1974), Babruvahana(1977), Bhagyavantharu(1977) and with Vishnuvardhan in Shani Prabhava, Rudra Naga, Ugra Naagu (1985) and in other films like Thande Makkalu, Papa Punya, Chiranjeevi etc.(from 1971–1984).She accepted in an interview that she excelled in roles that challenged her with tremendous range. In her long career she chiefly opted for sentimental films.
She mesmerized audience of all sections with her lively action, eye-catching looks and sweet articulation and got critical acclaims for her roles in the few Telugu films she did like Rahasiyam and in Aathma Balam and Amarashilpi Jakanna, both with A Nageshwara Rao. From the late sixties till mid 70's she formed popular on screen pair with NTR in Telugu films with Dagudu moothulu,Shakuntala,Bahakiyachakaram, Mayani Mamata and Daana Veera Shoora Karna.

[edit]Later career (1986-2011)

Saroja Devi accepted supporting roles in very few films.She took up very few assignments and even those films turned out to be popular.The most notable being Anuragasangama, Agni I P S, Mangala Suitra in Kannada and in title role in the Tamil film Thaimel Aanai and again opposite Sivaji Ganeshan in Parambhariyam and Once More (where Saroja was paired opposite Sivaji Ganesan in with her scenes in Iruvar Ullam too infused in the movie).
She said in an interview 'I have four homes in Chennai: the residences of MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, and MR Radha,' she had once said. 'But now, they have all gone—and I remain alone, with only their memories in my heart, and tears in my eyes.'[7]
B. Saroja Devi was Chairperson of the Karnataka Film Development Corporation. She was also the chairperson of Kantheerava Studios, Bangalore.[8][9]

[edit]Personal life

Saroja Devi was married to Sri Harsha, an engineer by profession who worked with Bharat Electronics Limited, on 1 March 1967.Her husband had reportedly no qualms about her star status, and was a 'complete gentleman'. She was careful not to involve herself in too many controversies and scandals obviously helped.[10] Their marriage lasted till her husband's death in 1986.The couple have three children, daughters Bhuveneshwary, Indira and son Gautam.

[edit]Social causes

Saroja Devi has organized many donation camps in the name of her late husband Sri Harsha, daughter Bhuvaneshwari and her mother and has organized Charitable Trusts, Rehabilitation centers and health programs.[11]

[edit]National and state Awards

[edit]National Awards

[edit]State and other Awards

  • 2010 Life time achievement award by the Government of Tamil Nadu
  • 2009 Dr.Rajkumar National award by the Government of Karnataka
  • 2009 N.T.R. National Award from Government of Andhra Pradesh for the second time for the year 2009
  • 2009 Natya Kaladhar Award - Tamil cinema, by Bharat Kalachar Chennai
  • 2007 NTR award for remarkable achievement by Karnataka Telugu Academy
  • 2007 Rotary Sivaji Award by the Charitable Trust and Rotary Club of Chennai
  • 2006 Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University
  • 2003 Dinakaran award for All-round Achievement
  • 2001 N.T.R. National Award from Andhra Pradesh Government for the year 2001
  • 1997 Tamil Nadu Government’s M.G.R award
  • 1997 Life time achievement awards by Cinema Express in Chennai
  • 1997 Filmfare award for All-round Achievement
  • 1989 Karnataka Government’s Rajyothsava award
  • 1980 Abhinandana-Kanchana Mala award by Karnataka State
  • 1965 Honoured as a title "Abinya saraswathy" by Karnataka Government

This is filmography of B.Saroja Devi, who has acted in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu films. She has around 180 films to her credit.[1]

YearFilmLanguageMain cast
1955Mahakavi Kalidasa (debut)KannadaHonnapa Bhagavathar
Sri Rama PoojaKannada
Aashadya BhoothiKannadaHonnappa Bhagavathar
1956Kacha DevayaaniKannadaK. S. Ashwath
KokilavaniKannadaK. S. Ashwath
PancharathnaKannadaHonnappa Bhagavathar
1957ChintamaniKannadaK. S. Ashwath
Panduranga MahatyamTeluguN. T. Rama Rao
Ratnagiri RagasiyaKannadaUdayakumar
1958Anna ThangiKannadaRajkumar
BhookailasKannadaRajkumar
BhookailasTeluguN T R and A N R
Manalane Mangayin BhagyamTamilGemini Ganesan
Manamulla MarutharamTamilBalaji
Naadodi MannanTamilM G R
Sabhash MeenaTamilSivaji Ganesan
School MasterKannadaB. R. Banthulu
Sengottai SingamTamilUthyakumar
Thedi Vantha SelvamTamilGemini Ganesan
1959BagapirivinaiTamilSivaji Ganesan, M.R. Radha
Jagajyothi BasaveshwaraKannadaRajkumar
Kalyana ParisuTamilGemini Ganesan
Kudivazhanthal Kodi NanmaiTamilS S Rajendran
OdeVelaiyadu PapaTamilGemini Ganesan
PaighamHindiDilip KumarVyjayanthimala
Pelli SandadiTeluguAkkineni Nageswara Rao
President PanchatcharamTamilS S Rajendran
Vaazha Vaitha DeivamTamilGemini Ganesan
Yaanai PaaganTamilUthyakumar
1960Ellorum Innatto MannargalTamilGemini Ganesan
Irumbu ThiraiTamilSivaji Ganesan, Vyjayanthimala
KairasiTamilGemini Ganesan
Parthiban KanavuTamilGemini Ganesan, Vyjayanthimala
Pelli KanukaTeluguAkkineni Nageswara Rao
SasuralHindiRajendra kumarMehmood
Vidi VelliTamilSivji Ganesan
1961Intiki Deepam IllalaeTeluguN.T. Ramarao
Jagadeka Veeruni KathaTeluguN.T. Ramarao
Mana PandhalTamilS S Rajendran
Opera HouseHindiAjit, Lalita Pawar
Palum PazhamumTamilSivaji Ganesan
PanithiraiTamilGemeni Ganesan
Sri Seetha Rama KalyanamTeluguN.T. Ramarao
Thai Sollai ThattatheyTamilM. G. Ramachandran
ThirudatheyTamilM. G. Ramachandran
Vijayanagarada VeeraputhraKannadaUthyakumar
1962Hong KongHindiAshok Kumar
Kitturu Ranee ChennammaKannadaRajkumar
KudambathalaivanTamilM G Ramachandran
Aadi PerukkuTamilGemini Ganesan
DevasundariKannadaRajkumar
Valar PiraiTamilSivaji Ganesan
PaasamTamilM G Ramachandran
Parthal Pasi TheerumTamilSivaji Ganesan
MadappuraTamilM G Ramachandran
AalayamaniTamilSivaji Ganesan
Thaayaikaatha ThanayanTamilM G Ramachandran
1963PareekshaHindiGemini Ganesan, Anjali Devi
Pyar Kiya To Darna KyaHindiShammi Kapoor
Iruvar UllamTamilSivaji Ganesan
Periya Idathu PennTamilM G Ramachandran
Kulamagal RadhaiTamilSivaji Ganesan
Pana ThottamTamilM G Ramachandran, Nagesh
Dharmam ThalaikkakkumTamilM G Ramachandran
Neethikku Pin PasamTamilM G Ramachandran
Kalyaniyin KanavanTamilSivaji Ganesan
Manchi CheduTeluguN T Rama Rao
Sri Krishnarjuna YudhamTeluguN T R & ANR
1964Beti beteHindiSunil Dutt
Dooj Ka ChandHindiBharat Bhushan
Amarashilpi JakanacharyaKannadaKalyan Kumar
Vaazhkai VaazhvatharkeTamilGemini Ganesan
Pannakkara KudumbamTamilM.G.R
Thayin MadiyilTamilM G Ramachandran
PadagottiTamilM.G.Ramachandran
DeivathaiTamilM.G.Ramachandran
Paasamum NesamumTamilGemini Ganesan
Puthiya ParavaiTamilSivaji Ganesan
En KadamaiTamilM.G.Ramachandran
Dagudu moothaluTeluguN.T.R
Aathma BalamTeluguA.N.R
Amarashilpi JakannaTeluguA.N.R
1965Beretha JeevakannadaKalyana kumar
Aasai MugamTamilM G Ramachandran
Enga Vettu PillaiTamilM G Ramachandran
Kalangarai VilakkamTamilM G Ramachandran
PrameelaarjunaeyathumTeluguN T R
1966Preet Na Jaane ReetHindiShammi Kapoor
Naan AnayittaalTamilM G Ramachandran
NadodiTamilM G Ramachandran
Thaali BhagyamTamilM. G. Ramachandran
Parakkum PaavaiTamilM G Ramachandran
Anbe VaaTamilM G Ramachandran
Petralthaan PillaiyaTamilM G Ramachandran
ShakuntalaTeluguN T R
1967DilwaarHindi
Pen Endral PenTamilGemeniganeshan
Arasa kattalaiTamilM G Ramachandran
RahasyamTeluguAkkineni Nageswara Rao
1968Panama PasamaTamilGemeni ganeshan
En ThambiTamilSivaji ganeshan
Thamari NenjamTamilGemeni ganeshan
BahagyachakramTeluguN T R
Uma Chandi Gauri Shankarula kathaTeluguN T R
1969MalamapavadakannadaRajkumar
AnbalippuTamilSivaji ganeshan
Thanga MalarTamilGemeni ganeshan
Anjal Petti 520TamilSivaji ganeshan
Aindhu LakshamTamilGemeni ganeshan
Kula VilakkuTamilGemeni ganeshan
Odum NadhiTamilRavichandran
1970Lakshmi SaraswathiKannadaRamesh
MalathyTamilGeminiGanesan
Kann MalarTamilGemini Ganesan
SnehithiTamilGemini Ganesan
Vijayam manadeTeluguN T R
Mayani MamataTeluguN T R
1971PurnimaKannadaSrinath
Thande MakkaluKannadaSrinath
Papa PunyaKannadaKalyan Kumar
Sri Krishna Rukmini Satya BhamaKannadaRajkumar
Nyayave DevaruKannadaRajkumar
UyirTamilMuthuraman
Thenum PalumTamilSivaji Ganesan
ArunothayamTamilSivaji Ganesan
1972Hari DarshanHindiRandhava
Sakthi LeelaiTamilgemeneganeshan A V M Rajan
Pandanti KapuramTeluguKrishna S V Ranga Rao
Mathru MoorthyTeluguHaranath
1973SahadharminiKannadaK S Aswath
1974Chamundeswarei MahemaiKannadaUthyakumar
Sri Srinivasa KalyanaKannadaRajkumar
GruhiniKannadaRajesh
Paththu Matha BandhamTamilR. Muthuraman
Sri Chamundeeswari MahimaiTamilUthyakumar
1975Shri Ramanjaneya YudhamuTeluguN T R
GunavanthuduKannadaRajes
Shani PrabhavaKannadaVishnuvardhan
Bhagya jothiKannadaVishnuvardhan
Katha SangamaKannadaKalyanakumar
Sree Ram Hanuman YudhHindN T R
1976Sri Ram VanavasHindiRavi Prasad
ChiranjeeviKannadaK Srinath
1977BabruvahanaKannadaRajkumar
Sri Renukadevi Mahathme 150th filmKannadaRajesh
BhagyavantharuKannadaRajkumar
Sree Tirupathi Kshetra MahathmyamTeluguRajkumar
1978Daana Veera Shoora KarnaTeluguNTR
llaiammanTamilRajesh
1980Guru Sarvabhowma Sri Raghavendra KaruneKannadaGangadhar
1981Nammina Thayi AnnammaKannada
1983Rudra NagaKannadaVishnuvardhan
1984Guru BhakthiKannadaKalyan Kumar
Thai ThandeKannadaKalyan Kumar
Ugra NaaguTeluguVishnuvardhan
YaarivanuKannadaRajkumar
1987Ladies HostelKannadaRajesh
1988Thaimel AanaiTamilArjun
1989Poovukkul BhoogambamTamilThiyagarajan
GuruKannadaAmbarish Srinath
Dharma DevanTamilMurali
Ponmana selvanTamilVijaykanth, Gemini Ganesan
1990Oray Thai Oray KulamTamilShobana
Bhale ChaturaKannadaShankar Nag
1993ParambhariyamTamilSivaji Ganesan
1994Mahashakti MayeKannadaKalyakakumar
EmergencyKannadaDevaraj, Kalyanakumar
1995AnuragasangamaKannadaRamesh Aravind
PutmalliKannadaBharat,Sai Kumar
1996Agni I P SKannadaSai Kumar, Ranjitha
Jannai Janma BhoomiKannadaVishnuvardhan, Rashika
1997Once MoreTamilSivaji Ganesan, Vijay
1998Mangala SuitraKannadaRekaha das
2005ThimaKannadaArujun
2007prarambhaKannadaPerabudeva
2009AadhavanTamilSuriya sivakumar, Nayanthara
2010Elankathir selvanTamilKathir

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