Veteran Actress Sandhya Shantaram, Iconic Star of Pinjra and Navrang, Passes Away at 87

Mumbai, October 4, 2025 – Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram, who mesmerized audiences with her graceful dance and powerful performances in classic films like Pinjra, has passed away at the age of 87.

Widely remembered for her remarkable roles in Marathi and Hindi cinema, Sandhya (born Vijaya Deshmukh) created a lasting impression with her acting and dance skills. Her performances in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), and especially Pinjra (1972) remain unforgettable for generations of cinegoers.

BJP leader Ashish Shelar paid tribute on social media, stating that her demise is a huge loss to the film industry. He praised her exceptional contribution, noting how her timeless dance and expressions enriched Indian cinema.

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Sandhya first gained fame in V. Shantaram’s Navrang (1959), particularly with the song “Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat,” for which she learned classical dance specially. Remarkably, she performed fearlessly with real elephants and horses during the shoot, earning admiration for her courage and dedication.

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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

Her deep professional and personal association with filmmaker V. Shantaram resulted in a series of hit films. Remembered as an actress who blended grace, boldness, and unmatched artistry, Sandhya Shantaram leaves behind a rich cinematic legacy.

प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्री संध्या शांताराम यांच्या पार्थिवाचे दर्शन घेतले. त्यांच्या आत्म्यास चिरशांती लाभो, हीच ईश्वर चरणी प्रार्थना. pic.twitter.com/rPQ5IdNO7b

— Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) October 4, 2025

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