From Navrang to Stree: A look at Sandhya Shantaram’s top films
From the vibrant musical "Navrang" to the poignant social drama "Stree", this piece highlights the late veteran actress's iconic filmography. It showcases the versatile roles that defined her career in Indian cinema.
Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955) The film is popularly known as a dance musical where the veteran actress played the role of Neeladevi, a classical dancer paired with the guru’s son. This film is popular for its dance sequences, for which the actress had to undergo rigorous training. She also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
2/8
Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1958) The veteran actress played the role of a toy seller named Champa, whose presence and singing were essential to the plot. The story of the film revolves around a jailer warden who attempts to rehabilitate six hundred murderers on a rural farm. The song was highly appreciated at that time and also features the memorable song ‘Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum.’
3/8
Navrang (1959) Playing the role of Jamuna, the poet's wife, who he believes to be his lovely muse, Mohini, in this stunning Hindi movie. She gave an outstanding performance in the movie, which included the popular Holi song "Are Jaa Re Natkhat," in which she skillfully performed a difficult scene with a mask at the back of her head that showed both male and female roles.
4/8
Pinjara (1972) The actress’s career peaked with this Marathi blockbuster, which was also released in Hindi. Sandhya was the main character of Chandrakala, a tamasha (folk theatre) performer whose life crossed paths with a kind-hearted school teacher. She received the Filmfare Award Marathi for Best Actress for her role in this extremely popular movie.
Amar Bhoopali (1951) The veteran actress made her debut in this Marathi movie as Gunawati. A historical musical movie that tells the life of the celebrated Marathi poet Honaji Bala, who had a remarkable talent for both singing and poetry.
6/8
Teen Batti Char Raasta (1953) The veteran actress played the role of Shyama/Kokila in this Hindi movie. The story focuses on a writer who doesn't realize, is his maid, but he falls in love with the voice of a girl on the radio. She appears as a poor girl in the movie who is initially rejected because of her dark skin.
7/8
Stree (1961) Based on an epic Mahabharata story, the veteran actress played the title character of Stree in this Hindi mythological film. The movie shows the sacrifice and constant loyalty of a woman.
8/8
Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1971) The veteran actress played the role of Alaknanda "Alka" Verma in this Hindi movie, a wealthy girl who leaves her home to join an entertainment company and follow her love of singing and dancing. When she has an accident and is later disabled, her story takes a tragic turn.
![Navrang (1959) Playing the role of Jamuna, the poet's wife, who he believes to be his lovely muse, Mohini, in this stunning Hindi movie. She gave an outstanding performance in the movie, which included the popular Holi song "Are Jaa Re Natkhat," in which she skillfully performed a difficult scene with a mask at the back of her head that showed both male and female roles.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/10/20251005133620_sandhya-shantaram-ps-three.jpg "Navrang (1959) Playing the role of Jamuna, the poet's wife, who he believes to be his lovely muse, Mohini, in this stunning Hindi movie. She gave an outstanding performance in the movie, which included the popular Holi song "Are Jaa Re Natkhat," in which she skillfully performed a difficult scene with a mask at the back of her head that showed both male and female roles.")
![Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1971) The veteran actress played the role of Alaknanda "Alka" Verma in this Hindi movie, a wealthy girl who leaves her home to join an entertainment company and follow her love of singing and dancing. When she has an accident and is later disabled, her story takes a tragic turn.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/10/20251005133600_sandhya-shantaram-ps-eight.jpg "Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1971) The veteran actress played the role of Alaknanda "Alka" Verma in this Hindi movie, a wealthy girl who leaves her home to join an entertainment company and follow her love of singing and dancing. When she has an accident and is later disabled, her story takes a tragic turn.")
