Rachit Gupta and Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 7, 2018)

Shammiji, as she was popularly referred to by her colleagues in the film industry, passed away in Mumbai on March 6, 2018. The veteran actress was 89 and had a career spanning more than 60 years in Bollywood and television. Shammi was most recognised for her role in the TV show Dekh Bhai Dekh, while she also appeared in other serials like Zabaan Sambhalke, Shriman Shrimati, Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh and Filmi Chakkar.

Shammi’s career began in 1949 and over the years she featured in prominent films like Sangdil (1952), Bandish (1955), Azaad (1955), Raj Tilak (1958), Ghar Sansar (1958), Kangan (1959), Bhai-Bahen (1959), Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960), Half Ticket (1962), Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), Upkar (1967), Ittefaq (1969) and many more. She worked in more than 200 films in her long career.

Her colleague and close friend, actress Asha Parekh expressed grief at losing Shammi. She said, “Shammi was unwell for two months; some of it was age-related. I’m really shattered today because she was my best friend. We had known each other for 50 long years. Apart from working together in so many films, we had shared so much with each other through these years. I was there during the cremation... I saw a big part of my life and memories fade away today.”

Amitabh Bachchan also took to social media to express his condolences. He posted, “Shammi aunty, prolific actress, years of contribution to the industry, dear family friend... passes away! A long suffered illness, age... Sad... slowly they’ll all go away...”

Shammi aunty, as she was fondly called by younger colleagues and fans, left behind a lasting legacy.