Actress Shammi dies at 89: 10 things that made her a legend

After a prolonged illness, veteran Bollywood actress Shammi passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89. She started her career in the late '40s and continued to work till 2012, acting in almost 200 films. Her illustrious career took interesting turns as she never quit acting and her second tryst with fame came with the advent of Hindi television.

While celebrities and politicians took to Twitter to recall her glorious contribution to cinema, here are 10 things to know about her:

T 2735 - Prayers and fond remembrances for Shammi Aunty .. so dear to us as family .. lost to us today ..???? some early pictures as a young entrant to films .. and one with Nargis ji at an event ; Shammi Aunty's real name was also Nargis ! pic.twitter.com/pfgzd1Tff3

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 6, 2018

Her real name was Nargis Rabadi

In 1931, she was born into a Parsi family in erstwhile Bombay. Her father was a priest. Nargis became Shammi after director Tara Harish advised her to change her name as the industry already had Nargis Dutt.

Debut at 18

In 1949, she debuted with director Tara Harish’s Ustad Pedro at the age of 18. The film did well at the box office. Her second film was Malhar (1951), which made her famous. Her third film was with Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, Sangdil (1952), which flopped and Shammi’s career took a back seat.

The other Nargis

During the shooting of Malhar, Shammi met Nargis Dutt and the two became good friends.

Shammi, aunty to me and a great actor of yesteryears passed away today. She was my mother's dear friend and someone we all loved very much. May her soul rest in peace and her laughter and contagious smile rock the heavens. Be In peace with your friends pic.twitter.com/jFfpmUfVoP

— Priya Dutt (@PriyaDutt_INC) March 6, 2018

While tales were written about Nargis' superstardom, Shammi's supporting acts came at a time when the ensemble cast played a defining role in Indian films. She carved a niche for herself as the side artist, never obsessing over the "heroine" tag. 

Started as heroine, moved to side roles

Though she started her career as a female lead, the failure of Sangdil prompted her to take a relook at her career. She started taking up supporting roles, including comedic acts, which later became her forte. In the first phase of her career, she acted in films like Ilzam (1954), Pehli Jhalak (1955), Bandish (1955), Azaad (1955), Halaku (1956), Son of Sinbad (1955), Raj Tilak (1958), Khazanchi (1958), Ghar Sansar (1958), Aakhiri Dao (1958), Kangan (1959), Bhai-Bahen (1959) and Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960) etc. Between 1962 and 1970, she started doing comedy and vamp roles and made an impression in films like Half Ticket (1962), Ishaara (1964), Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), Preet Na Jane Reet (1966), Aamne-Saamne (1967), Upkar (1967), Ittefaq (1969), Sajan (1969), Doli (1969), Raja Saab (1969) and The Train (1970).

Marriage didn't end her career

In 1970, Shammi got married to producer Sultan Ahmed and assisted him in Heera (1973), Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978). Their marriage lasted seven years. Marriage never stopped Shammi from continuing to shine in the cine space.

Down but not out

In 1985, she produced the film Pighalta Asman, which brought her a huge financial loss. Her friend, superstar Rajesh Khanna was supposed to be a part of the film, but left it after a fall-out with the director. (Later, Shammi had to direct the film.) To help redeem her career, Rajesh Khanna, who was producing television series at the time, introduced her to the small screen.

Grandmother of Hindi television

With a successful stint as evident in popular serials like Dekh Bhai Dekh, Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Shriman Shrimati, Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh and Filmi Chakkar, she went on to become the loved grandmother of television.

Bringing a smile to our faces, for years brightening up the screen Shammi ji left us with innumerable memories. My condolences to her loved ones. Om Shanti ???? https://t.co/0DoMWymiVy

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 6, 2018

Take 2 in Bollywood

She was very much in demand even in the millennium, appearing in many successful films such as Coolie No 1, Hum, Mardon Wali Baat, Gurudev, Gopi Kishan, Hum Saath-Saath Hain and Imtihaan between 1990 to 2000.

Standing tall opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Khuda Gawah

Shammi, who essayed the role of Khuda Baksh’s mother in Khuda Gawah, shared screen space with lead actor Amitabh Bachchan in the film. Even in a film toplining actors at the peak of their fame, Sridevi and Bachchan, Shammi stood out.

Playing Parsi at 83

Shammi was last seen in the Farah Khan film Shirin Farhad ki Toh Nikal Padi, in which she played the character of a Parsi woman.

Our beloved ShammiAunty is no more.. most wonderful, loving n funny.. working since my dads films n i was lucky to work beside her in ShirinFarhadKiTohNikalPadi.. god bless her

— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) March 6, 2018

Also read: How not to remember Sridevi