In a piece of sad news, veteran film actress, Sandhya Shantaram, who was the wife of famous filmmaker V Shantaram, passed away at the age of 94. It was at Vaikunth Dham in Shivaji Park where her funeral was held in Dadar, Mumbai. According to an ETimes report, Sandhya suffered from age-related issues. The veteran film actress has gained a lot of fame because of her versatile performances.
However, there has been no official statement related to the cause of her demise. Sandhya was best known for her varied collaborations with legendary filmmaker, V Shantaram. Here’s a look into the relationship of the late veteran star, who was born as Vijaya Deshmukh, back in a traditional Marathi household. Sandhya did not have any background training in dance or movies.
Sandhya Shantaram was discovered by her husband, V Shantaram
Sandhya had worked with her husband, V Shantaram, in movies, and it was the late filmmaker who had discovered Sandhya. He then, according to a report by Pinkvilla, cast her in the movie Amar Bhoopali back in 1951. Following the collaboration, Sandhya became the frequent muse of V. Shantaram, and they tied the knot in 1956.
Well, Sandhya’s entry into the movies reportedly stemmed from her late husband, who was a prominent figure in the Indian filmmaking industry. He was looking for a fresh face for his movie, Amar Bhoopali, and he was impressed by her expressions and grace. Shantaram cast Sandhya, which changed her life professionally and also personally.
Sandhya Shantaram was the third wife of V Shantaram
Late Sandhya’s husband, V Shantaram, was the founder of the famous film production company called Rajkamal Kalamandir. Soon after Sandhya started doing movies, she married V Shantaram. However, reportedly, she was his third wife, as he had been previously married to Vimlamai and then to actress Jayashree Kamulkar. Shantaram was significantly older than Sandhya, and she developed a deep connection with him despite his having been married twice in the past. Sandhya and her husband had a deep creative admiration and an emotional connection with one another.
Sandhya Shantaram and V Shantaram’s marriage also had a cinematic vision
Both had a lot of creative inclination towards one another, as Shantaram had worn the director’s cap to direct Sandhya in his evergreen movies. Their marriage was free from controversy, and Sandhya remained loyal and devoted to her husband. She was dedicated to her craft under the guidance of her husband. Their relationship was not just about having a personal bond but also of creating the greatest film works. Reportedly, for V Shantaram, Sandhya was his inspiration for creating emotionally deep characters which were innocently beautiful.
Example in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, 1995, Sandhya beautifully essayed her classical dance movies. It was in Do Aankhen Barah Haath, 1957, when she played a quiet role in which her husband, V Shantaram, also starred. It was in Navrang where Sandhya had a dreamy role, and her acting chops improved to the next level. It was in Pinjra, 1972, when she played the role of a tamasha dancer, and it was one of her most epic performances, which also earned her many awards.
Sandhya Shantaram became private after the loss of her husband
Sandhya did not have any formal kind of training in dance, but when V Shantaram came into her life, she proved her mettle in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje. Her critically acclaimed role as ‘Champa’ is also loved, and her performance in Aare Ja Re Natkhat dance song from Navrang cannot be forgotten. However, after the death of her husband in 1990, Sandhya did not want to come into the public eye. She has been known for her dance, spiritual inclination, and her loyalty towards the legacy of her husband.
Sandhya decided to lead a very private life filled with solitude post the demise of her husband, whose memories and legacy she carried within herself. Sandhya has also been called the soul of V. Shantaram’s movies —a lady who inked her name in the history of the Indian movie industry.
Team BollywoodShaadis offers condolences to the family of Sandhya Shantaram.
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