Veteran actor Sandhya Shantaram has passed away at the age of 94. She was the wife of legendary filmmaker, the late V Shantaram. Her last rites were conducted today in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. As per reports, she was suffering from age-related issues.

Maharashtra Minister of Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar gave her a tribute and wrote on social media, “Heartfelt tribute! The news of the passing of the renowned actress Sandhya Shantaram from the film Pinjara is deeply saddening. In Marathi and Hindi cinema, she left a unique mark on the hearts of audiences with her exceptional acting talent and dancing skills.”

Sandhya made her film debut with the Marathi film, Bhoopali in 1951, which was directed by V Shantaram. She rose to fame with her performance in the film, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), where she played the role of a dancer, that was much appreciated, as she was a trained classical dancer. The film eventually won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

She also starred in other films by Shantaram including, Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1958), Navrang (1959), Marathi film Pinjra (1972) and Amar Bhoopali (1951).