Satish Shah, a towering figure in Indian television and cinema bid farewell to the world on October 25 at the age of 74. His passing, attributed to kidney failure after transplant, brought an outpouring of grief from fans and peers alike. When he was found unresponsive at home, emergency responders from PD Hinduja Hospital initiated CPR en route to the hospital, but the beloved actor could not be revived.
On Sunday, the final rites were held at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, marking the end of a chapter that shaped the comedic soul of Hindi entertainment. Shah’s legacy spans decades – from the satirical brilliance of ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ to the cult classic TV serial ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, and memorable roles in films like ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Main Hoon Na’ and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun!’. His ability to infuse humour with humanity made him a household name and a cherished presence on screen.
The film fraternity gathered in solemn tribute, with heartfelt farewells from stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Ranjeet, Pankaj Kapur and Supriya Pathak, joined by a constellation of colleagues including Jackie Shroff, Dilip Joshi, Neil Nitin Mukesh and many others taking to Internet for soulful messages. Their tributes underscored the profound impact Shah had – not just as a performer, but as a friend, mentor and enduring symbol of laughter in Indian cinema.
