India, July 14 -- Legendary actor B Saroja Devi died on Monday morning in Bengaluru due to an age-related illness. The 87-year-old is regarded as one of the most successful female stars in the history of Indian cinema, someone who transcended language barriers. She was a pan-India star before the term was even coined by 21st-century marketers. But to women in the south, she was also a style icon. Everything from her hair to sarees set the trend in the 60s and 70s. But Saroja Devi had entered the industry, not trying to be a fashion icon. In fact, the rules set by her mother almost ensured she would stay 'de-glam' almost her entire life.

A young Saroja trained as a dancer and singer in her pre-teens, before she was spotted by director B.R...