Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram has passed away due to age-related ailments. She was best known as the third wife and muse of the legendary filmmaker V Shantaram.
Much like actress Priya Rajvansh, who worked exclusively with filmmaker Chetan Anand, Sandhya too dedicated her entire acting career to one director, her husband, V Shantaram.
Born as Vijaya Deshmukh in Kochi in 1932, Sandhya had deep roots in theatre. Her father was also a part of the stage world, and it was only natural that she and her sisters followed the same artistic path. From an early age, she dreamed of becoming an actress, a dream that took flight when destiny brought her face-to-face with V Shantaram. The filmmaker believed that Sandhya’s voice bore a striking resemblance to that of his then-wife, Jayashree, and he decided to cast her in films.
How did Sandhya begin her journey in films?
Sandhya’s debut came in 1951 when V Shantaram cast her in his Marathi film Amar Bhoopali. What began as a professional collaboration soon evolved into a lifelong partnership. Together, they went on to make several iconic films such as Teen Batti Char Rasta, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Navrang, Stree, Sehra, Ladki Sahyadri Ki, and Pinjra.
All these films were directed and produced by V Shantaram himself, making Sandhya one of the few actresses in Indian cinema who worked exclusively with one filmmaker throughout her career.
When did she marry V Shantaram?
After the passing of V Shantaram’s second wife, Jayashree, he married Sandhya in 1956. Their professional bond deepened further after marriage, and Sandhya delivered one of her most memorable performances in the 1959 classic Navrang. Her performance received widespread acclaim and remains one of her finest works on screen.
However, soon after, life took a difficult turn. V Shantaram began experiencing severe eye problems, and doctors recommended surgery. During this period, Sandhya stood firmly by his side, taking care of him with immense love and patience.
How did ‘Navrang’ get its inspiration?
One touching story from their life together reveals Sandhya’s thoughtfulness. Before her husband’s eye surgery, she decorated his room with colourful flowers, making it look like a vibrant rainbow. When V Shantaram opened his eyes after surgery, the first thing he saw was this dazzling sight, and that very moment inspired him to make Navrang, a film celebrated for its vivid visuals and emotional storytelling.
What was her life like after marriage?
Though Sandhya and V Shantaram did not have children of their own, she embraced his children from previous marriages with unconditional love. She became a devoted stepmother, caring for them as her own. Many of them have spoken fondly of how Sandhya cooked for them, fed them with affection, and treated them like her biological children.
Until her final days, Sandhya continued to live at Rajkamal Studios, the iconic place that had been at the heart of her and her husband’s creative journey. Her life remains a testament to loyalty, love, and quiet strength, both on and off-screen.
Highlights
- Sandhya Shantaram worked exclusively with filmmaker and husband V Shantaram.
- The actress’s real name was Vijaya Deshmukh; she began her career with Amar Bhoopali (1951).
- Her compassion and devotion inspired V Shantaram’s iconic film Navrang.