Veteran Bollywood actor Satish Shah, best known for his roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Main Hoon Na, and the hit TV show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, passed away on Saturday in Mumbai. He was 74 years old.
According to his close aide Ramesh Kadatala, who worked with him for over 30 years, Shah died due to kidney failure at his home in Bandra East. “His health suddenly got worse. We rushed him to Hinduja Hospital, but he couldn’t be saved,” he said.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, a close friend, called Shah’s death a huge loss for the industry. “He was a cheerful, kind-hearted person who brought smiles to everyone,” Pandit said.
In a statement, P. D. Hinduja Hospital confirmed that an ambulance was sent to his home after an emergency call. “He was found unresponsive, and CPR was started immediately. Despite our best efforts, Mr. Shah could not be revived,” the hospital said.
Sources close to the family revealed that Shah had undergone a kidney transplant three months ago.
A Life Dedicated to Entertainment
Born on June 25, 1951, Satish Shah was one of Indian cinema’s most loved comedy actors. Over the decades, he appeared in several popular films such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Maalamaal, Hero Hiralal, Main Hoon Na, and Kal Ho Naa Ho.
He was married to designer Madhu Shah. His last rites will be held on Sunday at Pawan Hans Cremation Ground in Mumbai.
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Shah started his career with small roles in films like Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978), Gaman (1979), and Umrao Jaan (1981). In Umrao Jaan, he played Dilawar, the man who sells Rekha’s character to courtesans in Lucknow.
Shah rose to fame with Kundan Shah’s cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), where he played the role of corrupt municipal commissioner D’Mello. Though his character was mostly seen as a dead body, it became one of the funniest and most iconic parts of the film.
From Television to Timeless Fame
On television, Satish Shah became a household name with Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984), where he played 55 different characters in 55 episodes. He later appeared in shows like Filmi Chakkar (1995) and, of course, the unforgettable Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
In Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Shah played Indravadan Sarabhai, the sarcastic yet lovable father in the quirky upper-class family. His chemistry with Ratna Pathak Shah, Rupali Ganguly, Sumeet Raghavan, and Rajesh Kumar made the show a cult favorite. It returned briefly in 2017 with the same cast.
The Man Behind the Laughter
Apart from television, Shah appeared in many hit Bollywood films including Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Om Shanti Om, Fanaa, and Saathiya.
Fans especially remember him as Professor Madhav Rasai in Main Hoon Na (2004) — the short-tempered teacher who spat while talking. The role became one of his most-loved performances, filled with hilarious moments. Shah himself had nicknamed the character the “spitting cobra”, laughing about it in interviews.
Tributes Pour In
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the film industry.
Filmmaker Farah Khan wrote on Instagram, “Rest in peace dearest Satish. You were a joy to know and work with. I’ll miss your jokes and memes every day.”
Karan Johar posted, “Satish Shah, Om Shanti.”
Kajol shared, “Gone too soon, but your laughter will echo forever.”
Actor R. Madhavan, who had worked with Shah early in his career on the TV show Jamai Raja, shared an emotional post with an old photo. “The heavens will be a happier place now. Satish Ji will make the Gods laugh as they admire their own creation,” he wrote. “Thank you for believing in me when I was new. I’ll miss you deeply, Satish Ji.”
Satish Shah leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and unforgettable characters that will continue to bring smiles to audiences for generations to come.
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