This Actress Was Cast Opposite Rajkumar In A 1970 Hit, Was Murdered In 2000

Priya Rajvansh acted in only seven films but garnered a dedicated fan following. Priya is especially remembered for her roles in ‘Heer-Ranjha’, ‘Haqeeqat’, and ‘Hanste Zakhm’.  

There are very few actors in the film industry who manage to create a lasting impression despite their short careers. Apart from Divya Bharti, who did 21 films in her short career, Priya Rajvansh is one such actor. She acted in only seven films but garnered a dedicated fan following. Priya is especially remembered for her roles in ‘Heer-Ranjha’, ‘Haqeeqat’, and ‘Hanste Zakhm’.  

How Priya's Bollywood journey began

Priya Rajvansh, originally named Veera Sunder Singh, was born in Shimla to Sunder Singh, who was employed in the Forest Department. Following her father's assignment with the United Nations, Priya relocated to London with him after completing her graduation. While in London, she attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). 

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

Priya's relationship with Chetan Anand

During the shooting of 'Haqeeqat', Priya fell in love with Chetan Anand. The two entered into a relationship, and from then on, Priya only worked in Chetan Anand’s films. She also developed an interest in filmmaking. Over a span of 20 years, she starred in films including 'Heer Ranjha', 'Hanste Zakhm', 'Kudrat', 'Saheb Bahadur', 'Haathon Ki Lakeeren'. 

Personal turmoil 

While Priya Rajvansh found success in the film industry, her personal life was tumultuous, which eventually led to her tragic end. She started living with Chetan Anand and continued their relationship until his death. After his passing, a part of his property was inherited by Priya. 

Tragic end 

In 2000, Priya Rajvansh was murdered at Chetan Anand’s bungalow in Juhu. The accused were Chetan Anand’s sons, Ketan Anand and Vivek Anand, along with their employees Mala Chaudhary and Ashok Chinnaswamy. Reports suggested that her murder was motivated by disputes over Chetan Anand's property. All four were sentenced to life imprisonment, but they were granted bail in November 2002.