Satish Shah, the veteran actor best known for his comedic roles in iconic shows and films like "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" and "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro," passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 74. The cause of death was kidney failure. Shah was admitted to Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital after suddenly falling ill at his home.
News of his demise has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from the entertainment industry, with co-stars and fans alike remembering his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema and television.
Sumeet Raghavan, who played Satish Shah's son Sahil in the beloved sitcom "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," shared a tearful tribute to the late actor, referring to him as a father figure. Raghavan recalled the close bond they shared over two decades.
"Indravadan ek hi hai…," Raghavan expressed in his tribute, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of Shah's iconic character.
Satish Shah's career spanned several decades, during which he became a household name for his impeccable comic timing and versatile performances. He portrayed 55 distinct characters in "Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi" (1984) and also played film buff Prakash Jaisawal in "Filmi Chakkar" (1995). His portrayal of Indravadan Sarabhai, the sarcastic patriarch in "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai," further cemented his legacy. The show, which also starred Ratna Pathak Shah, Rupali Ganguly, and Rajesh Kumar, enjoyed a devoted fan base and briefly returned for a second season in 2017.
Beyond television, Shah featured in numerous mainstream Bollywood films, including "Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa", "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Main Hoon Na", "Kal Ho Naa Ho", "Om Shanti Om", and "Fanaa". His role as Professor Madhav Rasai in "Main Hoon Na" (2004), where he played a short-tempered physics teacher, remains a favorite among fans.
The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) also expressed condolences on the demise of Satish Shah.
Several other Bollywood personalities shared their grief and memories of working with Satish Shah. R. Madhavan, who worked with Shah on the 1997 TV show "Jamai Raja," shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering Shah as a "solid wind beneath my wings" early in his career. Farah Khan tweeted, "Rest in peace dearest Satish. You were a joy to know and work with".
Satish Shah is survived by his wife, Madhu Shah, a designer. His last rites are scheduled to take place on Sunday afternoon at the Pawan Hans cremation ground.
