Tamannaah Bhatia to play Jayashree in Siddhant Chaturvedi’s V. Shantaram biopic

Tamannaah Bhatia to play Jayashree in Siddhant Chaturvedi’s V. Shantaram biopic

Tamannaah Bhatia has stepped into a landmark role with her latest project, V. Shantaram, a biographical drama that traces the life of one of Indian cinema’s greatest visionaries. She plays actor Jayashree, the celebrated performer who became V. Shantaram’s second wife and an important creative force in his journey. Starring opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi, the film aims to revive the world of early Indian cinema with detail, emotion, and scale.

The first-look poster introduced Bhatia in a classic pink Nauvari saree, a look that channels the vintage glamour of the 1940s. The filmmakers are leaning heavily into period authenticity, and Bhatia’s transformation into Jayashree offers a glimpse of the film’s commitment to recreating the textures of a defining era.

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Jayashree is remembered for her performances in films like Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Shakuntala, Chandra Rao More, and Dahej. She brought elegance, strength, and a sharp dramatic instinct that made her one of the standout faces of her time. As Shantaram’s partner, both personally and professionally, she became woven into the story of his studio years and the evolution of his craft.

Bhatia spoke with real admiration for the woman she is portraying. Here’s how she described the challenge of stepping into Jayashree’s world: “It’s a great responsibility to portray a character rooted in one of the most influential eras of our cinema. And I feel immensely honored to bring to life Jayashree, as she has been part of such legendary projects and the amount of grace she had was surreal. Shantaram built a legacy that continues to shape generations, and decoding his universe has allowed me to witness the brilliance of the man behind the legend. Bringing a piece of that legacy to the screen is truly a special feeling, and I am thankful for the makers of V. Shantaram to see me as Jayashree.”

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The biopic explores the extraordinary life of Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre, born in 1901, whose influence shaped both the artistic and social conscience of Indian cinema. He co-founded Prabhat Film Company in 1929 and later established Rajkamal Kalamandir in 1942. His early work delivered milestones like Ayodhyecha Raja, the first Marathi talkie, while his later films pushed boundaries with ideas far ahead of their time.

Shantaram’s filmography includes Duniya Na Mane, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, and Navrang. His lens took on social reform, human dignity, and cultural identity while experimenting boldly with form, sound, and color. India honoured him with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1985 for his unmatched contribution to the medium.

Written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande and produced by Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde, the film brings together Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions. With Siddhant Chaturvedi playing V. Shantaram and Tamannaah Bhatia stepping into Jayashree’s life, the biopic is shaping up to be a sweeping portrait of an era that built the foundation of Indian cinema.