Mumbai, October 25, 2025 - Veteran actor Satish Shah, known for his comedic roles in Bollywood and television, passed away today in Mumbai at the age of 74. Shah, best known for his role as Indravadan Sarabhai in the popular sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, had a career spanning over four decades.
Born on June 25, 1951, Satish Ravilal Shah hailed from a Kutchi Gujarati family from Mandvi. He studied at Xavier's College and later graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in 1976.
Shah began his acting career in the 1970s, with his first big project in 1978 with Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan. He gained recognition for his role in the 1984 sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, where he portrayed 55 different characters. He also starred in Filmy Chakkar and Ghar Jamai. His portrayal of D'Mello, a corrupt municipal commissioner in the 1983 film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, earned him widespread acclaim.
Despite his success, Shah faced initial struggles in the film industry. In a 2023 interview with CNN-News18, he revealed that his looks were a disadvantage early in his career. "When I came from FTII, there were certain things actors were categorised into, and I didn't fit in any of these," he said. "I was too tall and well-built to be a comedian, had too soft a face to be a villain, and wasn't conventionally good-looking as a hero. So my struggle was the worst. People mistook me for everything else but an actor". He stated that he "had not come to become a hero".
Shah often humorously recounted his experiences with producers early in his career. Despite graduating from FTII, breaking into the film industry was not easy, as casting relied more on appearance than talent. He shared anecdotes of rejections and the unconventional tactics he employed to get noticed. His breakthrough came with Shakti (1982).
Throughout his career, Shah appeared in numerous successful films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Judwaa, Hero No. 1, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Main Hoon Na, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Fanaa, and Om Shanti Om. He was last seen in Humshakals in 2014.
Beyond his professional achievements, Shah was known for his humility and dedication to his craft. He was married to Madhu Shah, a designer.
Satish Shah's death is attributed to kidney-related issues. He was admitted to Hinduja Hospital, where he passed away. His last rites are to be performed tomorrow.
Satish Shah's contribution to Indian television and cinema will be remembered for years to come. His performances, particularly as Indravadan Sarabhai, continue to be celebrated by fans across generations.
