Bollywood’s beloved Shammi aunty, whose real name was Nargis Rabadi, passed away today. She was 89.
Veteran actress Shammi popularly know as ‘Shammi aunty’ passes away at the age of 89. pic.twitter.com/dF5wnTJDQL
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018
Veteran actress Shammi, popularly known as ‘#ShammiAunty‘, passes away at 89 pic.twitter.com/AqeTz04FIA
— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) March 6, 2018
Born into a Parsi family, Rabadi was part of the cinema industry for more than 50 years, starring in over 200 films. She had entered the cinema industry by chance, where she played the second female lead in Ustad Pedro in 1949. Since there was already another actress called Nargis, 18-year-old Rabadi was advised to change her name to Shammi to avoid confusion.
She played the main or the second lead in films from 1949 to 1952, but after her Sangdil with Madhubala flopped, she started playing supporting or negative roles. Some of her successful roles are in films such as Bandish (1955), Azaad (1955), Halaku (1956), Upkar (1967), Ittefaq (1969), Sajan (1969), and The Train (1970).
In the 90s, she played the quintessential lovable grandmother in several films including Coolie No 1, Hum, Mardon Wali Baat, Gurudev, Gopi Kishan, Hum Saath-Saath Hain and Imtihaan. After a brief hiatus, she returned to acting in 2013 with the romantic-comedy Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, playing a Parsi woman. She also starred in the cult comedy Dekh Bhai Dekh.
Several stars took to Twitter paying tribute to her, including her Hum co-star Amitabh Bachchan.
T 2735 – Shammi Aunty .. prolific actress, years of contribution to the Industry, dear family friend .. passes away ..!!
A long suffered illness, age ..
Sad .. slowly slowly they all go away .. pic.twitter.com/WYvdhZqo8X— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 6, 2018
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
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
RIP Shammi aunty… your talent warmth and laughter is cherished!!! https://t.co/TK5XfCp5rb
— Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25) March 6, 2018
Veteran actress Shammi Aunty passes away
Would always remember her in countless roles and especially for role in Dekh Bhai Dekh. RIP ?? https://t.co/LijJbg0Rms
— Rachit Seth (@rachitseth) March 6, 2018
Feature Image: NewsBytes
