She was born Nargish Rabadi. But after all these years, I wonder how many people remember or know this. Bollywood and its fans know her only as ‘Shammi Aunty.’ In fact, she is credited by this name in several films.
Nargish’s father, a Parsi priest, passed away when she was just three years old. Her wise mother put aside her grief and set her mind to earning a living for her two young daughters.
As children, Nargish and her older sister Mani, worked — among other things — at a toy factory, earning the princely sum of six-and-a-half rupees to cover their school fees and books. She had a sweet singing voice, and sang regularly over All India Radio the Credits of any film. As they grew older, they studied shorthand and typing, telephone operating, and also working in Gujarati and Hindi theatre in any small role that came their way.
Mani used her talents as a fine seamstress and, years later, became a designer for stars like Helenji, Asha Parekh and Hema Malini.
Nargish acted in some minor roles, before she finally got noticed. That was in Ustaad Pedro, which brought her to the attention of Mukeshbhai, the unforgettable playback singer who had just announced his first production Malhar. Music Director Roshan, lyricist Indivar and the three lead actors, Nargish, Arjun and Motisagar were all first-timers.
But when it came to her name, director Tara Harish was faced with a dilemma. There
was already a beautiful Nargis ensconced in the starry firmament; so they had to find a new name for the new heroine to-be. Harish simplified the matter by christening Nargish
Rabadi as Shammi — the name of the heroine she played in the film!
I met her around this time, and from the word “go” it was instant rapport. Like so many others, we were all there to earn a living. It seems to me now, that we were always hungry and always broke! Yet we remained upbeat and optimistic — sharing whatever we had — whether it was a plate of puri bhaji at Khapoli or a cup of kadak chai at Andheri railway station.
Unfortunately, despite the fine performances and great music, Malhar left no mark at the box office, but Shammi hung in there, knowing by now that all she ever wanted to do was act. She accepted a variety of roles — big or small, comic or vamp — that came her way. She was the topmost dubbing artiste, and believe me, in those days, dubbing was an intolerably tedious and boring job, especially when from one language to another.
But, dear God! Who can talk or write about Shammi without trying to describe her inimitable trademark laugh! Impossible! Hers is
not merely a broad smile, or grin, not just a loud laugh, not just a giggle or a chuckle, it is a combination of all these, ever-present and oh-so highly infectious! And the jokes are always at her expense.
I have lost count of the many films she acted in, but here are two songs in particular that will always be associated with her. Yeh hawa, yeh raat, yeh chandini from Sangdil (music by
Sajjad and lyrics by Rajendra Krishan) sung to her by the greatest actor of all times, Dilip
saab. In the movie, it is meant for Madhubala but sung to Shammi.
The other is the ‘boat song’ from Dil Apna Preet Paraya (starring Raaj Kumar, Meena
Kumari and Nadira), Ajeeb dastaan hai yeh, kabhi shoroo, kabhi khatam. This song is sung even today by contestants of music reality shows and by Prachi Desai in Rock On.
Her unforgettable one-scene cameo in BR Chopra’s songless edge-of-the-seat thriller
Ittefaq starring Rajesh Khanna and Nanda, won her praise and countless awards.
She has remained the same in her behaviour towards others, be it the spot boy or the producer. She is always there to advise and help. Confiding in her is like putting your secret into the safety locker and throwing away the key. She never forgets a friend. The last public appearance that Suraiyaji made (resplendent in an old-world garara kurta) was at her party.
This was a very difficult time in her life. She tried her hand at production, but Pighalta
Aasman starring Shashi Kapoor sank without a trace. She incurred a huge loss, but it
was typical of her that she laughed it off. Her exact words were, “Sub pighal gaya — bus aasmaan hi reh gaya” (Everything has melted, only the sky remains).
In these years, tragedy and failure struck time and time again. A lesser person than Shammi would have thrown in the towel. Despite all her efforts and compromises, her seven-year marriage to director Sultan Ahmed was nothing but fights and humiliations. Finally, with her customary dignity, she walked out, literally with only the clothes on her back.
With her most precious friend and soulmate Nargis (whom we all called “Baby), she devoted long hours towards entertaining the troops on the front, collecting funds and working for social causes. Suddenly Baby was diagnosed with cancer, and Dutt saheb took her to the Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York. With great difficulty, Shammi managed to follow and spend precious days with her. What was said and discussed
between them was not and never will be
revealed to a living soul.
Tragedy struck again when her dear friend, Saeeda (wife of director Brij Sadanah of Victoria No 203 fame), and entire family were shot to death in a freak accident in their home.
Shammi was at rock bottom. Unable to get good screen roles, she accepted any work that put food on the table. She was the production executive for Bloodstone starring the one and only Rajnikanth. They shared a mutual respect and understanding. Later she said that in her entire life, she had never seen so many men, women and children, waiting patiently for hours in the scorching heat — of Andhra Pradesh — just to get a glimpse of this man. And he, who could have sat in an air-conditioned make-up van came out to mingle and meet them.
Next she tried her luck with the small screen — and became very popular with the younger generation for Dekh Bhai Dekh. She and her dear friend Asha Parkeh partnered and
produced their own serials, scouting for talent from the Marathi theatre and screen world. She had a sharp eye for talent. While working
on Dil, she told me, “Watch out for this new girl Madhuri Dixit — she has enormous talent
and will go to the top”.
She has never had any interest in material possessions — be it jewellery, a house or property. Her day starts with meditation and prayers. Her tremendous faith and belief in the Almighty has brought her through “the valley of the shadow of death” — and given her the strength to face up to the loss of her dearest friends Babyji, and Saeeda Brij Sadanah. She has found contentment and peace of mind.
Through our friendship of 62 years, we have laughed and wept together, we have consoled and given each other strength through hard times. “Come grow old with me, for the best
if yet to be.” Shammiji – we did grow old together and we did see the best. What more can one ask for in one life?
