Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram, known for her memorable roles in Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away on October 4, 2025, at the age of 93. She died due to age-related ailments at Rajkamal Studio, where she had been residing.
Born Vijaya Deshmukh on September 22, 1932, Sandhya began her career after being discovered by her future husband, the renowned filmmaker V. Shantaram. He was seeking new faces for his film Amar Bhoopali (1951) and was struck by her unique voice, which resembled that of his second wife, actress Jayshree. Sandhya debuted as an actress in his Marathi film Amar Bhoopali (1952), playing a vocalist. She went on to star in many of Shantaram's films. They married in 1956.
Sandhya gained recognition for her performances in films like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), Navrang (1959), and Pinjra (1972). In Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, she played a Kathak dancer and underwent intensive classical dance training for the role. Do Aankhen Barah Haath saw her portray Champa, a toy seller. In Navrang, she played the wife of the protagonist. Her final major role was in the Marathi film Pinjra, where she played a tamasha artiste.
Maharashtra's leaders have expressed their condolences. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said her passing was a great loss to the film world and that her roles in Pinjra and Navrang were immensely popular. He added that Sandhya's role in Do Aankhen Barah Haath received tremendous acclaim and her acting and dance performances were skillful and powerful. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Sandhya Shantaram represented the rich heritage of Indian cinema, and the industry had lost a witness to its history. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said her performances in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, and especially Pinjra would be cherished.
Kiran Shantaram, V. Shantaram's son from his second marriage, said Sandhya passed away at Rajkamal Studio and had been unwell for four to five years, suffering from fever and cough recently. He added that she treated him and his sisters like her own children.
Sandhya Shantaram's last rites were held at the Shivaji Park Crematorium. Her work defined the golden era of Indian cinema.
