Veteran Bollywood and television actor Shammi died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Born Nargis Rabadi in 1929, Shammi began her career in Bollywood in 1949 starring in Ustad Pedro. She shared the screen with Shaikh Mukhtar and Begum Para. She also featured in several Bollywood films, including Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), Ittefaq (1969), The Burning Train (1980), Arth (1982), Hum (1991), Khuda Gawah (1992), Coolie No. 1 (1995) and Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999). Her last Bollywood film was Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi released in 2013.
Shammi was well-known for her comic roles in television shows such as Dekh Bhai Dekh, Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Shriman Shrimati and Filmi Chakkar.
Actor Amitabh Bachchan said Shammi was suffering from a long illness. “Shammi Aunty...prolific actress, years of contribution to the industry, dear family friend...passes away!!,” he said on Twitter. “A long suffered illness, age...Sad...slowly slowly they all go away.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!