Satish Shah, the veteran Bollywood and television actor best known for his comedic roles in "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" and "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro," has died at the age of 74. The actor passed away on October 25, 2025, due to kidney failure. He was admitted to Hinduja Hospital, where he breathed his last.
Born in 1951 into a Gujarati family in Bombay State, Shah began his acting career in the 1970s. He gained widespread recognition in 1984 for his role in the sitcom "Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi," where he portrayed 55 different characters. In the 1990s, he appeared in other sitcoms such as "Filmi Chakkar" and "Ghar Jamai".
Shah's career saw a resurgence with the popular television show "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," which premiered in 2004. He played Indravadhan Sarabhai, the mischievous and often insensitive husband of Maya Sarabhai (played by Ratna Pathak Shah). The show, which revolved around a quintessential upper-class Gujarati family in South Mumbai, was lauded for its writing and progressive concept. It has since become a cult classic. Shah's pairing with Ratna Pathak Shah was particularly appreciated in both "Filmi Chakkar" and "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai".
Beyond television, Satish Shah was known for his comic roles in numerous films, including "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro" (1983), "Kal Ho Naa Ho" (2003), "Main Hoon Na" (2004), "Fanaa" (2006), and "Om Shanti Om" (2007). His performances often brought a unique blend of wit and impeccable timing to the screen.
In addition to his acting career, Shah also ventured into other areas of the entertainment industry. In 2008, he co-judged the reality show "Comedy Circus" with Archana Puran Singh. In 2015, he was appointed as a member of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) society.
Satish Shah had been married to designer Madhu Shah since 1972. In 2020, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. He recovered fully and was discharged after treatment.
News of Satish Shah's death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and fans. Ashoke Pandit shared the news on social media, expressing his shock and sadness. He described Shah's passing as a "great loss to our industry". The actor’s manager confirmed the news to PTI. Shah’s contribution to Indian cinema and television will be remembered for years to come.
