Satish Shah, ‘True Legend of Indian Entertainment,’ Passes Away at 74; PM Modi Leads Tributes

The esteemed Satish Shah Actor, a beloved figure in Indian cinema and television renowned for his impeccable comic timing and versatile performances, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was 74 years old. His demise, attributed to kidney failure, has sent waves of grief across the Indian entertainment legend and among his vast fan base.

Satish Shah Actor: Acknowledged as an Indian Entertainment Legend

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, expressing his deep sorrow over the Satish Shah Actor’s passing. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, PM Modi stated, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Satish Shah Ji. He will be remembered as a true legend of Indian entertainment. His effortless humour and iconic performances brought laughter into countless lives. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.” The Prime Minister’s sentiment reflects the profound impact Satish Shah Actor had on Indian audiences over his illustrious career.

A Career Filled with Laughter and Iconic Roles by Satish Shah Actor

Satish Shah carved a niche for himself with unforgettable characters that resonated with millions. The Satish Shah Actor gained widespread recognition for his role as Indravadan Sarabhai in the critically acclaimed sitcom ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, a performance that cemented his status as a comedy icon. His journey in the entertainment world began with early roles in films such as ‘Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan’ and ‘Gaman’ in the late 1970s. However, it was his portrayal of the corrupt Municipal Commissioner D’Mello in Kundan Shah’s 1983 cult classic ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ that truly catapulted the Satish Shah Actor to fame. This role, where he famously spent most of the film as a dead body, earned him a memorable headline, with Shah humorously recalling, “I even got a headline in a newspaper that said ‘Satish Shah, better dead than alive’.”

His career spanned over four decades, during which the Satish Shah Actor graced the silver screen in more than 250 films. Shah’s filmography boasts a diverse range of stories, including blockbusters like ‘Main Hoon Na’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, ‘Fanaa’, and ‘Om Shanti Om’. In ‘Main Hoon Na’, his portrayal of Professor Madhav Rasai, the short-tempered physics teacher, earned him the nickname “spitting cobra” for his quirky mannerisms.

On television, beyond ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, he was also celebrated for his role in ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’, where he memorably played 55 different characters in 55 episodes, showcasing his remarkable versatility. His contribution to television also includes the serial ‘Filmy Chakkar’ and ‘Ghar Jamai’.

A Life Dedicated to Artistry by Satish Shah Actor

Born on June 25, 1951, in Mumbai, Satish Shah hailed from a Kutchi Gujarati family. He studied at St. Xavier’s College before honing his craft at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. His connection with FTII remained strong; he was a member of its Governing Council and Society, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing new talent in cinema. The Satish Shah Actor’s dedication to his art was evident throughout his life.

Shah had reportedly undergone a kidney transplant some months prior to his passing and had been battling kidney-related complications. He was rushed to Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital on Saturday afternoon, where he breathed his last. News of the Satish Shah passing has deeply affected many.

Tributes and Farewell to the Satish Shah Actor

Numerous colleagues and friends from the top echelons of the film industry shared their grief. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news, highlighting the significant loss to the industry. Actors like Anupam Kher, Karan Johar, Farah Khan, and Amrita Rao, along with associations like CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association), paid their respects. Rajesh Kumar, who played Roshesh in ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, expressed profound sadness, stating it felt like losing a father. The Bollywood actor death of Satish Shah is a somber moment for all who admired him.

Satish Shah is survived by his wife, Madhu Shah. His last rites were scheduled to be performed on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Pawan Hans cremation ground in Vile Parle, Mumbai. The actor’s legacy as a performer who brought immense joy and laughter into countless lives is sure to endure, solidifying his place as a cherished Satish Shah Actor.