Veteran actress Sadhana passes away in Hinduja hospital
"She was admitted to the hospital day before yesterday due to high fever. She was okay.
Sadhana's close associate and advocate Ameet Mehra said that, "She had her tea in the morning at around 7.30 AM and suddenly I got a call from her secretary at around 10 AM that she collapsed and passed away. It was sudden and shocking... We were to meet her at 5 pm today. It's sad."
Earlier, reports suggested that the 74-year-old effervescent actress died at her residence. Her last rites will be held tomorrow at a crematorium in Santacruz.
She was the third highest paid Hindi actress with Nanda from 1970-1973 and was highest paid actress in Hindi Cinema from 1962-65 with Vyjanthimala.
Sadhana started her career with a Sindhi film Abaana in 1960 for which she was paid Re 1. She was spotted by film producer Sasadhar Mukherjee who was looking for a fresh face with whom he could launch his son, Joy. The result was Love in Shimla and an iconic onscreen pair.
Sadhana portrayed grey characters when the leading heroes of the era shied away from the roles. Two of her best films -- Woh Kaun Thi and Mera Saaya -- had her delivering performances which were miles away from what leading ladies were expected to do in her time.
Sadhana had health issues due to her thyroid, which she got treated at a hospital in Boston hence did not sign films between 1967 to 1968. After returning from the US, she starred in the successful movies Intaquam in 1969, Ek Phool Do Mali in 1969, Aap Aye Bahar Ayee in 1971, Dil Daulat Duniya in 1972, Geeta Mera Naam in 1974, which she also directed.
Sadhana Shivdasani introduced the fringe hairstlye in Indian film industry in her first film Love in Simla. R. K. Nayyar, director of the film and her future husband, suggested the fringe style in order to make her forehead look narrower.
