Veteran Actress Sandhya Shantaram Dies at 94; Maharashtra Minister Honors Her Legacy

Renowned Actress and Classical Dancer Sandhya Shantaram, celebrated for her luminous contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away today at the age of 94. The wife of legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram, she breathed her last in Mumbai, leaving behind a legacy of graceful performances that blended acting prowess with intricate dance artistry. Her death was confirmed by family sources, and her mortal remains were taken from the iconic Rajkamal Studio in Parel for cremation at Vaikunth Dham in Shivaji Park later in the day. Sandhya's passing marks the end of an era for Indian parallel cinema, where she shone as both a muse and a multifaceted artist.

Sandhya debuted in the industry with the 1951 Marathi film Bhoopali, directed by her husband, whom she married in 1950. Her breakthrough came in 1955 with the musical drama Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, where she portrayed a Kathak dancer, earning accolades for her mesmerising sequences that showcased her training in classical Indian dance forms. Trained under masters like Acharya Atreya, Sandhya's elegance on screen captivated audiences, establishing her as a symbol of cultural refinement in post-independence cinema. Over her five-decade career, she collaborated extensively with V. Shantaram, starring in socially conscious films that addressed themes of human dignity and artistry, influencing generations of performers.

Her filmography boasts timeless gems such as Navrang (1959), a vibrant Technicolour musical celebrating creativity; Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), a poignant drama on rehabilitation that won international praise; Sehra (1963), a romantic tale set in Rajasthan; and her final major role in Pinjara (1972), a Marathi masterpiece depicting the life of a caged bird, symbolising artistic freedom.

These works not only highlighted her acting range but also her ability to infuse narratives with poetic depth. Sandhya received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1963 for her dance contributions and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1972, recognising her impact on performing arts.

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Maharashtra's Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, led the tributes, posting an emotional message on Instagram. "Heartfelt tribute! The news of the passing of renowned actress Sandhya Shantaram ji from the film Pinjara is deeply saddening," he wrote, praising her "exceptional acting talent and dancing skills" that left an indelible mark on audiences.

Shelar highlighted her iconic roles in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje and Do Aankhen Barah Haath, vowing they would remain "unforgettable in the hearts of viewers." As condolences flood social media from fans and filmmakers, Sandhya's life story—marked by love, art, and resilience—continues to inspire, ensuring her dances echo eternally in the annals of Indian Cinema.

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