Mumbai, October 28, 2025 – In a poignant moment at the prayer meet for the late veteran actor Satish Shah, Rupali Ganguly was seen requesting photographers to refrain from taking pictures of Shah's widow, Madhu Shah. The prayer meeting, held in Mumbai, was attended by numerous members of the film and television industry who gathered to pay their respects.
Satish Shah, known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable roles in classics such as "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy cherished by millions. His funeral was held on Sunday in Mumbai, drawing colleagues and friends from the industry.
During the prayer meet, as Madhu Shah was leaving the venue, Rupali Ganguly was seen folding her hands and earnestly requesting the paparazzi to not capture her visuals. In a video circulating online, Ganguly can be heard saying, "Aap se ek request… Madhu kaki ka mat lo… Please please (We have one request to make. Please don't capture Madhu kaki),". "Unko jaane do, hum log yahin han (Please lower your cameras. Let her go. We are here only)," she added. Sources indicate that Madhu Shah is battling Alzheimer's disease.
JD Majethia, the creator of "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," was also present and echoed Ganguly's request. The gesture highlights the concern for the privacy and dignity of the bereaved family during their time of mourning.
Ganguly's emotional connection to Satish Shah was evident throughout the funeral and prayer meet. Videos surfaced showing her in tears during the funeral, reflecting the close bond she shared with the actor, who played her father-in-law in the iconic sitcom "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai". Other co-stars, including Rajesh Kumar, were also visibly emotional.
The plea from Rupali Ganguly has resonated with many, sparking conversations about the ethics of paparazzi culture and the need to respect personal space during sensitive moments. Earlier, filmmaker Farah Khan also expressed her displeasure with the paparazzi for filming mourners at the funeral.
The prayer meet saw the attendance of prominent personalities like Rakesh Roshan, David Dhawan, Shatrughan Sinha, Sonu Nigam, Johny Lever, and Poonam Dhillon. Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Jackie Shroff were also among those who came to pay their respects. The "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" team, including Sumeet Raghavan, Rajesh Kumar, Anang Desai, Paresh Ganatra, JD Majethia, Aatish Kapadia, and Deven Bhojani, were present to support the family.
Satish Shah’s contribution to Indian cinema and television is immense, and his passing has been mourned by fans and colleagues alike. His performances continue to bring laughter and joy to audiences, ensuring his legacy endures.
