This actress was opposite Rajkumar in the hit film of 1970, Priya Rajvansh was murdered in 2000.

There are very few actors in the film industry who manage to leave an indelible mark despite their short career. Apart from Divya Bharti, who has done 21 films in her short career, Priya Rajvansh is also such an actress. She acted in only seven films but gained a devoted fan following. Priya is especially remembered for her roles in ‘Heer-Ranjha’, ‘Haqiqat’ and ‘Hanste Zakhm’.

How Priya’s Bollywood journey started

Priya Rajvansh, whose original name was Veera Sundar Singh, was born in Shimla to Sundar Singh, who worked in the forest department. Following her father’s appointment to the United Nations, Priya moved with him to London after completing her graduation. While in London, she attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Priya Rajvansh’s Bollywood journey began at the age of 22 when a photograph taken in London reached the Indian film industry. Filmmaker Thakur Ranveer Singh was so impressed with her that she introduced him to Chetan Anand, brother of legendary actor Dev Anand. Chetan Anand cast her in the film ‘Haqeeqat’, which was a superhit and started her career.

Priya’s relationship with Chetan Anand

During the shooting of ‘Haqeeqat’ Priya fell in love with Chetan Anand. Both got into a relationship and after that Priya worked only in Chetan Anand’s films. She also developed interest in film production. Over a span of 20 years, she acted in many films including ‘Heer Ranjha’, ‘Hanste Zakhm’, ‘Kudrat’, ‘Saheb Bahadur’, ‘Haathon Ki Lakeyrein’.

Personal turmoil

While Priya Rajvansh found success in the film industry, her personal life was full of turmoil, which ultimately led to her tragic end. She moved in with Chetan Anand and their relationship continued until his death. After his death, Priya inherited a part of his property.

Sad ending

In 2000, Priya Rajvansh was murdered at Chetan Anand’s Juhu bungalow. The accused were Chetan Anand’s sons, Ketan Anand and Vivek Anand, his employees Mala Choudhary and Ashok Chinnaswamy. Reports revealed that her murder was motivated by a dispute over Chetan Anand’s property. All four were sentenced to life imprisonment, but were granted bail in November 2002.