Legendary Hindi film actress Sandhya, known for her unforgettable performances in classic films like Do Ankhen Barah Haath (1957), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), and Navrang (1959), passed away in Mumbai on Friday due to age-related illness. She was 94 years old and had been unwell for the past few years, her family confirmed.
Veteran actress Sandhya passes away at 94
Sandhya, born Vijaya Deshmukh in Kochi, started her career in Gujarati musical theatre. Her life changed when filmmaker V. Shantaram, one of India’s greatest visionaries, discovered her while looking for a fresh face for his film Amar Bhopali (1951). He gave her the screen name Sandhya, and later, they married in 1956. She worked exclusively in Shantaram’s films and never acted for any other director.
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Her acting and dancing skills made her one of the most admired stars of her time. In Do Ankhen Barah Haath, her natural charm and powerful screen presence received international praise; even French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard sent a telegram praising her performance when the film was shown at the Berlin Film Festival in 1958.
In Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Sandhya stunned audiences with her graceful classical dance performances alongside choreographer Gopi Krishna. She even performed a difficult step where she had to bend backward while balancing four oil lamps, a moment that became legendary on set.
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Her performance in Navrang remains iconic. In one of the film’s famous dance sequences, she wore a mask on the back of her head to portray both male and female roles in the same song, showcasing her dedication and creativity.
Filmmakers and fans across the country have expressed sorrow at her passing. Director Madhur Bhandarkar and Maharashtra’s cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar were among those who paid tribute to her remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.
Sandhya’s husband, V. Shantaram, passed away in 1990. Together, they created some of the most visually and emotionally powerful films in Indian cinema. With her death, the golden era of classic Indian film loses one of its brightest stars, an artist remembered for her grace, passion, and dedication to her craft.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
