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Veteran Indian comedy icon Satish Shah passes away at 74
The celebrated performer, best known for his roles in 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' and 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro,' leaves behind an unmatched legacy of humor and versatility across film and television.
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Anushka Pathak - Sat, 25, Oct 2025
- 11:28 EDT
- 19
Veteran Indian actor Satish Shah / Courtesy: Wikipedia
Veteran Indian actor Satish Shah, known for redefining Indian television and film comedy with effortless timing and wit, passed away in Mumbai on Oct. 25 at the age of 74 due to kidney failure.
Shah was best known for his roles in the hit television sitcom ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ and the films ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ and ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.’
The news of his passing was confirmed by filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who shared that Shah breathed his last at Hinduja Hospital, Shivaji Park, following a brief illness at his Bandra East residence.
Also Read: India's 'Ad-Man,' Piyush Pandey passes away at 70
Shah’s television legacy was defined by his portrayal of the witty patriarch Indravadan Sarabhai in 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' (2004–2006, revived in 2017). His humor and sarcastic banter with Ratna Pathak Shah’s character Maya Sarabhai became a cultural touchstone for urban India.
Satish Shah as Indravadan Sarabhai in the cult sitcom 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' / Courtesy: IMDbEarlier, he displayed unmatched versatility in 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi' (1984), performing 55 different roles that established him as a television powerhouse.
In cinema, Shah’s breakout performance came in Kundan Shah’s 1983 satirical masterpiece 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro,' where he played the corrupt commissioner D’Mello, a role that remains iconic for its absurdist brilliance.
His later filmography featured memorable turns in 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!', 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa,' 'Kal Ho Naa Ho,' and 'Main Hoon Na,' where his humor added depth to mainstream storytelling. His last major screen appearance was in Humshakals (2014).
Born on June 25, 1951, in Mandvi, Kutch, and raised in Mumbai, Shah graduated from St. Xavier’s College and trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. He had started his career with small roles in the late 1970s, appearing in ‘Gaman,’ ‘Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai,’ and ‘Umrao Jaan,’ before transitioning to comedy—a genre he would dominate for decades.
Tributes poured in across the entertainment industry. “A great loss to the industry. Om Shanti,” filmmaker Ashoke Pandit posted on X.
Sad and shocked to inform you that well known actor & a great human being Satish Shah has expired an hour ago due to Kidney failure .
— TheAshokePanditShow (@ashokepanditshw) October 25, 2025
A great loss to the industry .
Om Shanti
pic.twitter.com/tWpXgwZJTr
Actor-comedian Johny Lever wrote, “Feeling extremely sad to share that we’ve lost a great artist and my dearest friend of over 40 years. It’s hard to believe—I had spoken to him just two days ago. Satish Bhai, you will truly be missed.”
Feeling extremely sad to share that we’ve lost a great artist & my dearest friend of over 40 years. It’s hard to believe—I had spoken to him just two days ago. Satish Bhai, you will truly be missed. Your immense contribution to film and television will never be forgotten. ️ pic.twitter.com/IXuXI1AYhA
— Johny Lever (@iamjohnylever) October 25, 2025
Actress Kajol Devgan added, “Gone too soon, but your laughter will echo forever. Rest in peace, Satish ji.”
Gone to soon, but your laughter will echo forever, rest in peace Satish Ji pic.twitter.com/HOST7mMsmp
— Kajol (@itsKajolD) October 25, 2025
Ramesh Kadatala, Shah’s personal assistant of over 30 years, stated that the actor had undergone a kidney transplant recently and may have suffered a cardiac arrest before being rushed to the hospital.
Off-screen, Shah was known for his humility and warmth. His final post on X was a nostalgic tribute to actor Shammi Kapoor, reading, “Happy B'day, dearest Shammi ji. You are always around me.” He is survived by his wife, designer Madhu Shah.
The actor’s funeral will be held on Oct. 26 in Bandra.
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