She was a Bollywood hit machine and national trendsetter, but fought allegations and lawsuits in final years

Economic Times

23-06-2025

Sadhana Shivdasani, once one of Bollywood's most celebrated actresses, rose to fame in the 1960s with hit films and a style that defined an era. Known for her iconic "Sadhana cut" and memorable roles opposite top stars, she dominated the silver screen before health issues forced her into early retirement. Despite her success, Sadhana's later years were marked by financial hardship, legal disputes, and isolation following the death of her husband, filmmaker RK Nayyar.
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Early Life and Ambitions
A Decade of Dominance
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Health Struggles and Career Slowdown
Personal Loss and Isolation
Legal Disputes and Final Years
Bollywood has always been a world of glitz, glamour, and adoration — but behind the shimmering façade lies a history of forgotten stars. One such name is Sadhana Shivdasani, remembered not just for her cinematic success but also for the tragic solitude of her later years. Once among the most sought-after actresses of her time, Sadhana's life unfolded like a film script — filled with ambition, love, success, heartbreak, and eventual isolation.Born on September 2, 1941, in Karachi, Sadhana and her family moved to India during the Partition. Her childhood was spent across Delhi, Benaras, and Calcutta before finally settling in Mumbai in 1950. She joined the Auxilium Convent School in Wadala and had already decided to become an actress while still in school. Her journey into films began with a brief appearance in Shree 420 (1955) and a lead role in the Sindhi film Abaana (1958), for which she was reportedly paid just Rs 1.Sadhana later trained at the Filmalaya School of Acting, where she met filmmaker RK Nayyar. Their professional bond during Love in Simla (1960), her breakout film, eventually led to marriage. The movie's success catapulted her into stardom and gave rise to the iconic "Sadhana fringe" that became a national trend.Throughout the 1960s, Sadhana ruled the silver screen. She delivered hit after hit, starring in acclaimed films like Parakh (1960), Hum Dono (1961), Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), and Mere Mehboob (1963). She worked with leading actors including Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar, and Shammi Kapoor. Out of the 19 films she headlined during the decade, 11 turned out to be major box-office successes.Despite her stardom, she remained grounded. She once spoke about her camaraderie with male co-stars, preferring their company at social gatherings over female colleagues. Her bond with Rajendra Kumar was particularly close — a friendship her mother had once hoped would blossom into something more. But Sadhana was already committed to RK Nayyar, whom she married at just 17.Sadhana's flourishing career was derailed in the late 1960s when she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, affecting both her health and vision. This forced her to take a break and seek treatment in Boston. The illness came at a cost — she lost out on key roles and felt deeply hurt when filmmakers replaced her without informing her. One such instance involved being dropped from Sunghursh (1968) despite initial assurances.Though she returned with successful films like Intaqam (1969) and Ek Phool Do Mali (1969), the momentum had shifted. She later tried directing with Geetaa Mera Naam (1974) but gradually faded from the limelight.The passing of her husband in 1995 marked a devastating chapter in her life. The couple had no children, and she once shared that losing her unborn baby remained one of her deepest regrets. With RK Nayyar gone, Sadhana found herself increasingly isolated.In later years, she relied on a close circle of contemporaries — including Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Helen, and Nanda — for emotional support. They would meet monthly for lunch, offering her a rare sense of belonging during a difficult period.The last years of Sadhana's life were plagued by legal troubles. She was involved in multiple cases with the landlord of her Santacruz residence, which included allegations of harassment and a defamation lawsuit. Financial constraints and declining health added to her woes. Despite her once-iconic status, she received little to no help from the industry she had once illuminated.Sadhana passed away on December 25, 2015, at the age of 74, following a brief illness. As per accounts, only a handful from the film fraternity attended her funeral, marking a somber end to a life that once sparkled on screen.Though her final years were marred by loneliness and neglect, Sadhana's legacy in Indian cinema remains untarnished. From defining fashion trends to delivering memorable performances, she carved a niche that continues to be celebrated.