Veteran Bollywood actor Satish Shah passes away at 74
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Mumbai: Bollywood and television actor Satish Shah, beloved for his iconic roles in films such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Main Hoon Na, and the hit sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, passed away at the age of 74. He died at his residence in Bandra East on Friday afternoon due to kidney-related complications, Ramesh Kadatala, Shah’s personal assistant for over 30 years, confirmed.
A close friend revealed that Shah had undergone a kidney transplant three months ago. “In the morning, the family rushed him to Hinduja Hospital, where he was declared dead,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
Born on June 25, 1951, Shah had a career spanning several decades and was widely celebrated for his impeccable comedic timing. His notable films include Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Maalamaal, Hero Hiralal, Main Hoon Na, and Kal Ho Naa Ho. He was married to designer Madhu Shah.
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Shah began his career with minor roles in films like Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978) and Gaman (1979). He also appeared in Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan (1981) as Dilawar, the man who sells Rekha’s character Amiran to courtesans in Lucknow.
Shah became a household name with Kundan Shah’s cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), in which he played the corrupt municipal commissioner D’Mello. Though largely appearing as a lifeless character, his performance in the film’s chaotic sequences, including the now-legendary Mahabharata play scene, became unforgettable.
On television, Shah was equally celebrated, portraying 55 distinct characters in Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984) and playing film buff Prakash Jaisawal in Filmi Chakkar (1995). He gained further fame in the early 2000s as Indravadan Sarabhai, the sarcastic patriarch in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, starring alongside Ratna Pathak Shah, Rupali Ganguly, Sumeet Raghavan, and Rajesh Kumar. The show maintained a devoted fan base and briefly returned for a second season in 2017.
Shah also featured in numerous mainstream blockbusters including Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Main Hoon Na, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Om Shanti Om, Fanaa, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Saathiya, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, and Judwaa. Fans fondly remember his portrayal of Professor Madhav Rasai in Main Hoon Na (2004), a short-tempered college physics teacher whose signature “spitting” quirk earned him the nickname “spitting cobra.”
Shah’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from the film industry. Farah Khan tweeted, “Rest in peace dearest Satish. You were a joy to know and work with. Will miss you sending me memes and jokes every day.” Karan Johar posted, “Satish Shah, Om Shanti.”
Actor R. Madhavan, recalling their work together on the 1997 TV show Jamai Raja, shared a heartfelt tribute: “The heavens will be a merrier and happier place now. Satish Ji, we make the Gods laugh as they admire their own creation. You were a solid wind beneath my wings early in my career… You will be missed so very much. A void that can never be filled… Rest in Eternal Peace, sir. OM Shanti.”
With PTI inputs