Shammiji (left) with Meena Kumari in Azad (1955). Pic/Kamat Foto Flash

Most people remember Nargis Rabadi, better known as Shammi, who passed away on March 5, as a talented comedienne whose open face and maternal mannerisms instantly endeared her to the audience. But few would recall her as a romantic lead - Dilip Kumar serenaded the then-elfin Shammi with the Talat Mahmood number Yeh Hawa Yeh Raat Yeh Chaandni in Sangdil (1952) and she traipsed nimbly through the popular song Bade Armanon Se Rakha Hai Balam in Malhar (1951).