Remembering Sadhana Shivdasani, one of the most incredible and graceful actresses of Hindi cinema, on her 82nd birth anniversary (02/09).

Remembering #Sadhana Shivdasani, one of the most incredible and graceful actresses of Hindi cinema, on her 82nd birth anniversary (02/09).

Sadhana was a prominent figure in Hindi cinema and is remembered as one of its most talented actresses. Known for her striking beauty and fashion-forward style, she earned the nickname “The Mystery Girl” due to her roles in a series of suspense thrillers directed by Raj Khosla in the mid-1960s.

Originally from Karachi, Sadhana moved to Bombay with her family at the age of 7, during the partition of India. She first appeared in an uncredited role in the film Shree 420 (1955) before being mentored by director Sashadhar Mukherjee. Her breakout role came in Love In Simla (1960), where her unique hairstyle became so popular it was dubbed the “Sadhana Cut.” She continued to build her reputation as a leading lady in films such as Parakh (1960), Hum Dono (1961), Asli-Naqli (1962), Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), Mere Mehboob (1963), Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Arzoo (1965), Waqt (1965), Mera Saaya (1966), and Anita (1967).

In the late 1960s, Sadhana faced health challenges due to hyperthyroidism, prompting her to temporarily step away from acting. She traveled to Boston for medical treatment and made a comeback in 1969 with two successful films, Ek Phool Do Mali and Intaqam. In 1974, she ventured into directing with the crime thriller Geetaa Mera Naam, after which she gradually retreated from acting. Her last on-screen appearance was in Ulfat Ki Nayi Manzilein (1994). She was honored with the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

Sadhana was married to R.K. Nayyar, the director of her film Love in Simla, on March 7, 1966. She was hospitalized at Hinduja Hospital on December 24, 2015, and passed away the following day.