"To revisit Sandhya’s work is to rediscover a rare beauty."
On October 4, 2025, the veteran star, Sandhya Shantaram, passed away. She was 94 years old.
Sandhya was born as Vijaya Deshmukh on September 13, 1931.
The acclaimed filmmaker V Shantaram cast her in his Marathi film, Amar Bhoopali (1952).
Sandhya Shantaram went on to work in many classics, including Parchhain (1952), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), and Navrang (1959).
In 1956, Sandhya married V Shantaram. It was the director’s third marriage, which lasted until his death in 1990.
In Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Sandhya got the opportunity to showcase her Kathak skills.
The film established her dancing prowess, for which she continued to remain famous.
In 1961, the actress gained recognition for her role in Stree, where she played the titular character.
The film was directed as well as starred her husband, V Shantaram.
The director decided to incorporate real lions in some of the scenes.
Sandhya famously did not use a body double and prepared for these scenes by sharing a cage with lions.
She made her last film appearance in the Marathi film Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jali (1975).
Following the news of Sandhya’s death, tributes appeared on social media in her honour.
Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted:
“Saddened by the passing of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram Ji.”
“Her iconic roles in films like Pinjra, Do Ankhen Barah Hath, Navrang, and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje will forever be cherished.
“Her remarkable talent and mesmerising dance skills have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.”
Saddened by the passing of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram Ji. Her iconic roles in films like #Pinjra, #DoAnkhenBarahHath, #Navrang, and #JhanakJhanakPayalBaaje will forever be cherished. Her remarkable talent and mesmerizing dance skills have left an indelible mark on the… pic.twitter.com/fOttHtmuMz
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) October 4, 2025
The filmmaker and photographer, Rajeev Srivastava, added:
“Whether it was the tender moments, when prisoners turned their hardened gaze to her as the toy seller, or the spirited glow she radiated in the playful ‘Saiyan Jhooton Ka Bada Sartaaz Nikla’, her performances transcended mere acting to become poetry in motion.
“Her classical dance sequences remain etched in cinematic history, showcasing a dancer whose control was matched only by her delicate expressiveness.
“Sandhya elevated V Shantaram’s films from mere stories to timeless celebrations of music, dance, and human emotion.
“To revisit Sandhya’s work is to rediscover a rare beauty and quiet strength that still calls out across the decades to all who cherish classic Indian cinema.”
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