New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his profound grief over the demise of veteran actor Satish Shah, who passed away earlier today at the age of 74 due to kidney failure. The Prime Minister lauded Shah as a "true legend of Indian entertainment," acknowledging his significant contribution to the film and television industry.
Satish Shah, best known for his comic roles in numerous films and television shows, including the iconic sitcom "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," breathed his last at Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital. He had been battling kidney-related complications for some time and had recently undergone a kidney transplant.
In a message shared on his official X timeline, formerly known as Twitter, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Shah's family and admirers. "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Satish Shah Ji. He will be remembered as a true legend of Indian entertainment," the Prime Minister wrote. He further added, "His effortless humour and iconic performances brought laughter into countless lives. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti".
Satish Shah's career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in more than 250 films and numerous television series. He gained prominence with his role in the 1983 cult classic "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro," where he portrayed the corrupt Municipal Commissioner D'Mello. His other notable film credits include "Kal Ho Naa Ho," "Main Hoon Na," "Fanaa," and "Om Shanti Om". On television, he became a household name with his roles in "Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi," where he played 55 different characters, and "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," where he played Indravadan Sarabhai.
The news of Satish Shah's death has been met with widespread grief and condolences from the film and television industry. Many prominent personalities, including Kajol, R Madhavan, Karan Johar, and Anupam Kher, have taken to social media to express their sorrow and pay tribute to the late actor.
Rajesh Kumar, Satish Shah's co-star from "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," expressed his deep sense of loss, stating that it felt like he had lost his father. "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 I have lost my father…," Kumar wrote in an Instagram post. He further added, "A man full of life n humour. Challenging everything.. Made his name left his mark as an actor… this is a big big loss to the industry and us (Sarabhai's family). Let's pray for his departed soul and keep him in your prayers".
Satish Shah was born on June 25, 1951, in Bombay (now Mumbai). He is survived by his wife, Madhu Shah, a designer. His last rites will be performed on October 26 at the Pawan Hans Cremation Ground in Mumbai. The Prime Minister's message underscores the profound impact Satish Shah had on Indian entertainment and the deep void his passing leaves behind.
