Veteran actor Satish Shah, known for 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai', 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro', passes away at 74

He was known for his performances in films like 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro', 'Main Hoon Na' and hit TV show 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai'.

Mumbai: Veteran actor Satish Shah — known for his iconic comic roles in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and television serials like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai passed away in Mumbai on Saturday. He was 74.

Shah's death comes close on the heels of the passing away of actor-comedian Govardhan Asrani and ad-man Piyush Pandey this week.

The Cine and Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) and All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWE) confirmed Shah’s death. “CINTAA expresses its condolences on the demise of Satish Shah Ji, who was our member since 1985,” CINTAA, the apex body of the film industry said.

“Sad and shocked to inform you that well known actor and a great human being Satish Shah has expired due to kidney failure. A great loss to the industry,” said IFTDA president and noted filmmaker Ashoke Pandit.

"Legendary actor Satish Shah is no longer with us. His immense contribution to the Indian film and television industry will always be remembered. Today, the entire film fraternity is in deep shock and grief — it truly marks the end of an era in Indian cinema,” AICWE said.

"It seems he passed away from a heart attack, however we are awaiting the final reports from the doctor about the reason behind his death,” said Shah’s personal assistant Ramesh Kadatala.

Born on 25 June 1951, Shah hailed from a Kutchi-Gujarati family from Mandvi - and completed his education from St Xavier College in Mumbai. After that, he joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.

Shah began his film journey with a small part in the 1970 film Bhagwan Parshuram, he gained prominence after Umrao Jaan and Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai.

Shah was best known for his comic roles in films including Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Main Hoon Na (2004), Kal Ho na Ho (2003), Fanaa (2006) and Om Shanti Om (2007).

In Kundan Shah-directed Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984), which was aired on Doordarshan, he played over 50 characters acting alongside late Shafi Inamdar, Swaroop Sampat and Rakesh Bedi.

In Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), he played the role of D'Mello, Municipal Commissioner - in the Kundan Shah-directed film which had legends like Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, late Ravi Baswani, late Bhakti Barve, late Satish Kaushik.

In the 90s, he appeared in sitcoms like Filmi Chakkar and Ghar Jamai, His character of Indravadan Sarabhai in the cult hit sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2004-06), will also be remembered.

In 2008, he co-judged Comedy Circus with Archana Puran Singh.

He played supporting roles in several films like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge.

Condoling the death, veteran comedian Johny Lever said: “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.”

Actor, writer and content creator Tara Deshpande said: “Goodbyes are for ordinary people not for comedy giants like Satish Shah. Thank you for all the laughs, the good clean fun comedy we watched with our parents, the family values the simple but priceless humour of everyday life.”