Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram, wife of the late legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram, passed away in Mumbai today. The iconic actress was celebrated for her graceful performances in timeless classics such as Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1958), Navrang (1959), Amar Bhoopali, and the Marathi masterpiece Pinjra (1972).
Madhur Bhandarkar Remembers the Iconic Actress
Renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar paid tribute to Sandhya Shantaram, calling her “a remarkable talent with mesmerizing dance skills.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bhandarkar wrote:
“Saddened by the passing of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram Ji. Her iconic roles in Pinjra, Do Ankhen Barah Haath, Navrang, and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje will forever be cherished. Her remarkable talent and dance skills have left an indelible mark on Indian 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
Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar Pays Heartfelt Tribute
Expressing grief, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar also shared a heartfelt message:
“Heartfelt tribute! The passing of Sandhya Shantaram Ji, the renowned actress from Pinjara, is deeply saddening. She made an everlasting impression on Marathi and Hindi cinema with her unmatched acting and dance prowess. Her unforgettable roles in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, and Pinjara will always remain in our hearts. May her soul rest in peace.”
Her Legacy in Indian Cinema
Sandhya Shantaram’s portrayal of strong female leads, especially in the Marathi classic Pinjara, remains one of her most celebrated performances. During the 1950s and 1960s, she was a prominent figure in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, often collaborating with her husband, director V. Shantaram. Her expressive acting and graceful dance sequences made her one of the most admired actresses of her time.
