"He lit up every frame he was in."
Satish Shah, who created a prolific acting career of comedy and joviality, passed away on October 25, 2025. He was 74 years old.
The veteran actor started his Bollywood journey with Bhagwan Parshuram (1970).
However, he played his first notable role in Umraao Jaan (1981).
Across a career that spanned over five decades, Satish starred in mostly supporting roles, providing unforgettable and entertaining comedy that tickled the ribs of the audience.
He featured in classics, including Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), and Om Shanti Om (2007).
In Indian television, he played various characters in Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984–1986).
Satish Shah gained popularity in the role of Indravadan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
He played the part in the show from 2004 to 2006, and again in 2017.
For Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Satish won three awards.
The filmmaker, Ashoke Pandit, announced Satish’s death on Instagram.
Posting a picture of the late actor, Ashoke, wrote:
“Sad and shocked to inform you that our dear friend and a great actor, Satish Shah, has expired a few hours ago due to kidney failure.
“He was rushed to Hinduja Hospital, where he breathed his last.
“A great loss to our industry.”
Following the news, users rushed to X to condole the passing of the actor.
The actor, Satyajeet Dubey, said: “Deeply saddened to hear about Satish Shah sir’s passing.
“He was such an incredible actor and he lit up every frame he was in.
“I had the privilege of working with him in my debut film Always Kabhi Kabhi, and his warmth and brilliance have stayed with me ever since.”
Deeply saddened to hear about Satish Shah sir’s passing. He was such an incredible actor, he lit up every frame he was in. I had the privilege of working with him in my debut film Always Kabhi Kabhi, and his warmth and brilliance have stayed with me ever since. ? pic.twitter.com/MQ64UUt8Zs
— Satyajeet Dubey (@satyajeet_dubey) October 25, 2025
The actress, Tara Deshpande, added: “Goodbyes are for ordinary people – not for comedy giants like Satish Shah.
“Thank you for all the laughs, the good, clean, and fun comedy we watched with our parents, and the family values.
“The simple but priceless humour of everyday life. You shall be sorely missed. Rest in peace.”
Satish Shah’s passing comes just days after it was announced that Asrani – another veteran Bollywood comedian – had died.
Satish’s last film appearance was in Humshakals (2014).
He once spoke about the importance of differentiating a comedic actor from the human being who undergoes trials and tribulations like any other person.
Recalling a specific incident, Satish said: “This is a problem in India.
“They can’t differentiate between a person and an actor or a guy who is performing and a guy who is a normal person.
“They expect you to be funny even in the moments, in the environment where one has to be serious.
“When the circumstances make you serious. But one has to live with it.”
“My wife was seriously ill – she was almost dying on the operation table.
“And I was very tense because we’d been married only for three months.
“I was sitting outside, very worried, and a guy comes to me and says, ‘What is this? You are sitting in such a serious mood. Tell a joke’.
“Forget the joke – I could hit him. But somehow, better sense prevailed, and I just walked off.
“But it’s part of the baggage we carry.”
Satish Shah leaves behind a shining glossary of laughter, joy, and impeccable work.
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