Veteran actor Satish Shah, best known for his role as Indravadan Sarabhai in the popular sitcom "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," passed away on October 25th at the age of 74 due to kidney failure. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans expressing their grief and sharing heartfelt tributes.
Rajesh Kumar, who played Satish Shah's on-screen son, Rosesh Sarabhai, in "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," has expressed profound grief over the loss. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Kumar shared his emotions, stating, "This is the worst hour for me. I still cannot process that Satish ji is no more. All I can say is that it feels like I have lost my father". He further added, "A man full of life and humour. This is a big big loss to the industry and us; can't talk much as not in the right frame of mind".
Kumar has also reminisced about how Satish Shah, along with the other cast members, helped him to develop the character of Rosesh. He explained that the chemistry between the cast members and their reactions to his portrayal of Rosesh were crucial in shaping the character's unique appeal. Kumar fondly recalled how even off-screen, Satish Shah never missed an opportunity to tease him, keeping the spirit of their on-screen relationship alive.
Satish Shah's career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in more than 250 films and television shows. He was born on June 25, 1951, in Mumbai. He graduated from St. Xavier's College and trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. His early career included roles in films such as "Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan" (1978), but he gained prominence with the 1983 cult classic "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro," where his portrayal of Municipal Commissioner D'Mello became iconic. He became a household name with the television series "Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi," where he played 55 different characters. His role as Indravadan Sarabhai in "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" further solidified his legacy.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Satish Shah's death on Instagram, explaining that the actor passed away due to kidney failure at Hinduja Hospital. The hospital also released a statement, noting that despite their best efforts, they could not revive him. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) also expressed their condolences.
Satish Shah is survived by his wife, Madhu Shah, a designer. He was last seen in the reboot of "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" in 2017. His last rites will be performed on Sunday at the Pawan Hans cremation ground.
