Indian actress Sandhya Shantaram passed away on October 4, 2025, due to age-related complications. She was the third wife of acclaimed filmmaker V Shantaram, and notably, worked exclusively under his direction throughout her film career — much like actress Priya Rajvansh, who worked solely with Chetan Anand.

Born in Kerala in 1932, Sandhya (originally named Vijay Deshmukh) had deep roots in theatre, influenced by her father’s own involvement in the performing arts. This passion led her and her sisters to the stage, and her aspirations for acting were realised by V Shantaram, who believed her voice bore a resemblance to that of his then-wife Jayshree. It was he who gave her the screen name ‘Sandhya’.

Her debut came in V Shantaram’s Marathi film Amar Bhoopali (1951). She went on to star in around a dozen of his films, including Teen Batti Char Rasta, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Navrang, Stree, Sehra, Ladki Sahyadri Ki, and Pinjra.

Every one of these was directed by V Shantaram, marking a rare instance of an actress working solely with one filmmaker across her entire career. The couple married in 1956 following the passing of Shantaram’s second wife, Jayshree.

Sandhya Shantaram delivered one of her most lauded performances in Navrang (1959), a film born out of a deeply personal moment. Shortly after their marriage, V Shantaram began losing his eyesight. As he prepared for surgery, his wife Sandhya lovingly decorated his hospital room with fresh flowers. When he regained his sight, the first thing he saw was this vibrant, fragrant setting — inspiring the concept for Navrang.

Sandhya Shantaram not only stood by V Shantaram professionally but also became a devoted partner in his personal life. Though the couple had no children together, Sandhya embraced the role of stepmother to his children from previous marriages, raising them with care and affection. According to her stepchildren, she treated them as her own — nurturing them with maternal love.

Sandhya Shantaram remained a part of Rajkamal Studio until the end of her life, quietly upholding her legacy as both an actress and a devoted family figure.