In the competitive landscape of Bollywood, actors and actresses often seek collaborations with various directors to elevate their careers. However, there is a remarkable story of a seasoned actress who worked exclusively with a single director throughout her life. On the very sets of her debut film, an enduring love blossomed between her and the director, leading to a beautiful marriage.
Entertainment Desk, New Delhi. Love, they say, knows no boundaries, be it age, race, or societal norms. This adage rings especially true in the world of Bollywood, where extraordinary love stories unfold. Today, we delve into the captivating tale of an actress who fell head over heels for a man 37 years her senior. Remarkably, this actress dedicated her entire career to working with just one director, ultimately falling in love with him and tying the knot.
Achieving Career Milestones with a Singular Director
The actress in question is the legendary Sandhya Shantaram, who recently passed away at the age of 87. Sandhya embarked on her cinematic journey with the film Amar Bhupali, directed by the esteemed filmmaker V. Shantaram. It was during this project that she caught the director’s attention, as he was in search of a fresh face for his film. Sandhya’s captivating voice was a significant factor that impressed Shantaram, making her the ideal choice for the role.
Photo Credit- Social Media
Love Blossoms with a Director 37 Years Her Senior
The professional partnership between Sandhya and Shantaram flourished as they collaborated on films such as Chhaya, Teen Batti Char Raasta, and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje. Their romance ignited on the sets of these films, and in 1956, the couple married, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both their personal and professional lives. Sandhya gained significant acclaim for her role in the 1959 film Navrang, which featured a song that resonated with audiences across the nation. The chemistry between Sandhya and Shantaram, both personally and creatively, was evident in their body of work.
.jpg)
Photo Credit- Social Media
The duo continued their successful collaboration with films like Stree, Sehra, Ladki Sahyadri Ki, Paani Bin Machhli Nachi Bin Bijli, Kaagaz, and Chandnachi Choli Anga Jali, thereby carving out a unique niche in the industry. V. Shantaram, who played a pivotal role in shaping Indian cinema, passed away in 1990, leaving behind a profound legacy.
.jpg)
Photo Credit- Social Media
V. Shantaram’s life was marked by several significant relationships. His first marriage, which was arranged in 1921, saw him wed to Vimalabai when he was just 20 years old, while she was only 12. Together, they had four children. In 1941, he married actress Jayashree, with whom he shared the screen in several films, including the notable Shakuntala released in 1942. This marriage also bore three children but ended in 1956. It was in the same year that he wed Sandhya Shantaram. The couple did not have any children together. On October 4, 2025, the beloved actress passed away at the age of 84, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of film.
