Bollywood has lost a treasured talent as veteran actress and dancer Sandhya Shantaram, wife of legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram, passed away at the age of 87.
Published: October 4, 2025 4:01 PM IST
The Hindi film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram, who passed away at the age of 87. Known for her expressive acting and graceful dance performances, she left behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists.
How was the news confirmed?
The news of her demise was shared by Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra’s Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, who paid tribute to her on the social media platform X. Posting a picture of the actress, he wrote, “The news of the demise of famous actress Sandhya Shantaram from the film ‘Pinjra’ is very sad. She left a unique mark on the audience with her wonderful acting and dance skills in Marathi and Hindi cinema. Her immortal roles in films like ‘Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje,’ ‘Do Aankhen Barah Haath,’ and especially ‘Pinjra’ will always remain etched in the hearts of the audience. May God grant peace to her soul.”
Where were the last rites held?
According to reports, the actress’s final rites were performed on Saturday at Vaikunth Dham, Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Family members, close friends, and admirers gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to the actress, who had once ruled the silver screen with her timeless roles.
Who was Sandhya Shantaram?
Sandhya was not just the wife of a filmmaker but a talent who left her own distinct mark on cinema. V. Shantaram discovered her during his search for fresh talent for his 1951 film Amar Bhoopali. Impressed by her captivating voice and screen presence, he cast her as a singer in the film. That marked the beginning of her acting journey, which soon flourished into an illustrious career.
What were her most memorable roles?
While Sandhya did not act in a very large number of films, the ones she worked in became milestones in Indian cinema. She is best remembered for her performances in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), where she starred opposite Kathak maestro Gopi Krishna, who personally trained her in dance for the role. The film went on to win four Filmfare Awards and established Sandhya as a performer of remarkable depth.
Her other memorable films include Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), Navrang (1959), Pinjra (1972), and Amar Bhoopali (1951). Among these, Pinjra, a Marathi classic directed by V. Shantaram, remains one of her most celebrated films, remembered for its bold themes and Sandhya’s powerful performance.
Her personal life with V. Shantaram
Sandhya became V. Shantaram’s third wife after he divorced his second wife, Jayashree. Interestingly, the wedding took place just a month after his separation. Their professional and personal lives often overlapped, with films like Pinjra reflecting the synergy between the filmmaker and the actress.
Sandhya Shantaram’s legacy
Sandhya Shantaram will always be remembered as an actress who balanced beauty with substance, often embodying complex female characters with grace. Even though her filmography was not vast, the roles she played left an unforgettable impact on both Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Her passing is a significant moment of loss for the industry, but her films ensure that her artistry continues to live on for generations.
Highlights
- Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram passed away at 87 in Mumbai.
- She was known for her roles in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath and Pinjra.
- Her last rites were performed at Vaikunth Dham, Shivaji Park.
