Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram has passed away at the age of 87. Her last rites have been performed at Shivaji Park Crematorium today morning. The actress was known for starring in various Hindi and Marathi movies, many directed by her husband V Shantaram. From the 1950s to the 1960s, her most notable movies include Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1958), Navrang (1959), Marathi film Pinjra (1972) and Amar Bhoopali (1951).

The cause of her death hasn’t been revealed yet. Her family hasn’t opened up about her demise publicly.

Sandhya had begun her journey in the film industry with the movie Amar Bhoopali.  She was discovered by V. Shantaram himself. She also starred in the movie Teen Batti Char Raasta (1953), where she played an impoverished girl named Kokila. For her role in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Sandhya underwent intense classical dance training to do justice to the role. The movie went on to win four Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Interestingly, much of Sandhya’s journey in the film industry has been with her husband. She starred with him in Do Aankhen Barah Haath, where she played the role of toy seller Champa. She was seen in Navrang as the wife of a poet. Sandhya gracefully danced in the song Arre Ja Re Hatt Natkhat, which went on to become a huge hit.

She also starred in Stree (1961), which showed Shakuntala’s journey from the Mahabharata. Sandhya had to prepare filming with lions as some of the scenes used real animals. Her last major role was in the Marathi movie Pinjra.

After that, her major public appearance was during the V. Shantaram Awards ceremony in 2009. She commemorated the 50th anniversary of Navrang at the event.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her friends, family and fans at this difficult hour.

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