India, July 15 -- Padma Bhushan B Saroja Devi, one of the most celebrated actors in South Indian cinema, died on Monday at her residence in Malleswaram, (Bengaluru). She was 87 and suffering from age-related ailments. Known as Abhinaya Saraswathi and Kannadathu Paingili (The Parrot of Kannada), her legacy spans more than 200 films in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Hailed as the first superstar of Kannada cinema, Saroja Devi debuted at the age of 17 in Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). Between 1955 and 1984, she featured as the lead in a record-setting 161 consecutive films, a feat unmatched in Indian film history. The news of her passing led to a flood of tributes on social media. Actor Rajinikanth posted on X, "The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace." Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar penned a heartfelt note: "A golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in south has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also posted a lengthy tribute in Kannada. A part of the statement reads, "Her departure, having entertained audiences for decades through refined films, is a significant loss to Indian cinema." The late actor is survived by her two grandchildren, Indira and Gautam. htc...