Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 25: Renowned actor Satish Shah, celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and memorable roles in television classics like Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and films such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Main Hoon Na, and Kal Ho Naa Ho, passed away on Saturday. He was 74.
According to reports, the veteran actor had been battling kidney-related ailments for some time. His condition worsened earlier in the day, following which he was rushed to Hinduja Hospital, where he breathed his last around 2:30 pm.
Confirming the heartbreaking news, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit expressed his grief on social media, stating, “Sad and shocked to inform you that our dear friend and a great actor, Satish Shah, has passed away a few hours ago due to kidney failure. He was taken to Hinduja Hospital, where he breathed his last. A great loss to our industry. Om Shanti.”
In a statement, Pandit further added, “With a heavy heart, I want to say that our friend and a very good actor, Satish Shah, died around 2:30 pm today. His health deteriorated suddenly while he was at home, and he was taken to the hospital immediately. Sadly, he couldn’t survive. His cremation will take place later today. It’s a very big loss to the industry. I had just returned from Piyush Pandey’s last rites when my family informed me about Satish’s passing.”
A journey of laughter and legacy
Born on June 25, 1951, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Satish Shah hailed from a Kutchi Gujarati family. He began his cinematic journey with Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan in 1978 and soon became a household name after his brilliant portrayal of Municipal Commissioner D’Mello in the cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983).
Over the course of his illustrious career, Shah acted in more than 250 films, leaving audiences in splits with his effortless humour and endearing screen presence. His notable films include Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), and Om Shanti Om (2007).
On television, Shah achieved immense popularity through the 1984 sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, where he showcased his versatility by portraying a different character in each of its 55 episodes. However, it was his role as the witty Indravadhan Sarabhai in Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai (2004) that immortalized him in the hearts of viewers. His chemistry with co-star Ratna Pathak Shah in both Filmy Chakkar and Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai became one of Indian television’s most beloved pairings.
Beyond acting, Shah also lent his expertise as a judge on comedy-based reality shows like Comedy Circus, inspiring a new generation of performers.
The Indian film and television fraternity is mourning the loss of a gifted performer whose humour, humility, and warmth brought joy to millions.
May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.