Veteran Actress Sandhya Shantaram Passes Away at 94, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Indian Cinema

Ziya Khan October 5, 2025Last Updated: October 5, 2025

The Indian film fraternity is in deep mourning following the death of the legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram at the age of 94. The veteran star, renowned for her graceful performances and significant contributions to both Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away on Saturday, October 4. Her final rites were held at Vaikunth Dham in Shivaji Park, Mumbai.

Though the family has not officially disclosed the cause of her death, reports indicate that she succumbed to age-related health complications. Sandhya’s passing signifies the end of a remarkable era, as she was one of the last surviving icons of Indian cinema’s golden age.

Tributes have poured in from across the film industry and political circles, with fans and peers celebrating her extraordinary body of work. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar shared his condolences on social media, writing, “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 world of cinema. 🙏 #OmShanti #LegendaryActress #CinematicIcon.”Born Vijaya Deshmukh on September 13, 1931,

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

Sandhya gained fame through the visionary direction of her husband, the celebrated filmmaker V. Shantaram. Her illustrious filmography includes timeless classics such as Amar Bhoopali (1951), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1958), Navrang (1959), and the Marathi masterpiece Pinjra (1972).With her captivating acting and enchanting dance performances, Sandhya Shantaram carved an unforgettable niche in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences for generations to come. Stay tuned for more only with us.