Renowned Indian actress Sandhya dies | The Express Tribune

Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram, remembered for her unforgettable performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away on October 4, 2025 at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness.

A celebrated screen presence of the 1950s through the 1970s, she leaves behind a legacy intertwined with some of Indian cinema’s most iconic works. Born Vijaya Deshmukh in 1931, Sandhya entered the film world almost by chance.

She was discovered by legendary filmmaker V Shantaram, who cast her in his Marathi film ‘Amar Bhoopali’ (1951). Her voice and screen presence caught his attention, and she went on to feature in many of his films before eventually marrying him.

Sandhya quickly became a fixture in Shantaram’s productions, her career marked by roles that demanded unusual dedication. In ‘Teen Batti Char Raasta’ (1953), she portrayed a dark-skinned girl who secretly becomes a radio star. For the part, she wore heavy makeup to transform her appearance.

For ‘Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje’ (1955), she trained intensively in Kathak under co-star Gopi Krishna despite having no formal dance background. The film won multiple Filmfare Awards and a National Award, cementing her reputation as a versatile performer.

Her collaborations with Shantaram included the internationally acclaimed ‘Do Aankhen Barah Haath’ (1957), where she played Champa, a toy seller whose songs and presence moved hardened prisoners.

In ‘Navrang’ (1959), she took on the dual role of a modest wife and her husband’s dream muse, even performing a now-legendary dance sequence alongside an elephant. Later, in ‘Stree’ (1961), she prepared for her role opposite live lions without a stunt double, underscoring her fearless commitment to her craft.

Perhaps her most enduring success came with ‘Pinjra’ (1972), a Marathi classic in which she portrayed a tamasha dancer whose tragic romance with a schoolteacher became an allegory of art, morality, and freedom. The role earned her critical acclaim and a Filmfare Award, sealing her place among the greats of regional and national cinema alike.

Despite stepping back from films in later years, Sandhya remained a revered figure. She made a rare public appearance at the V Shantaram Awards in 2009, commemorating the golden jubilee of ‘Navrang’.

Sandhya death marks the end of an era. Tributes poured in from politicians, artists, and fans, all recognising her artistry and courage. With her passing, Indian cinema has lost a performer who blended grit, grace, and sheer daring in equal measure.