The vibrant world of Bollywood is united in grief over the passing of veteran actor Satish Shah, a master of comedy who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and television. Shah, 74, passed away on Saturday due to kidney-related issues. His demise has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends across the industry.
Amitabh Bachchan shared profound thoughts on his blog, reflecting on the loss of another talented individual and the somber mood prevailing in the industry. He noted the difficulty in maintaining a sense of normalcy during such times. Salman Khan took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a cherished photo of himself with Shah, accompanied by a heartfelt message expressing his long-standing acquaintance and admiration.
Sushmita Sen, who worked with Shah in ‘Main Hoon Na’, honored him on her Instagram stories, remembering him as a presence that enriched their lives. Vivek Oberoi shared a deeply personal account of Shah’s influence, describing him as a father figure during his debut film ‘Saathiya’. He lauded Shah’s patient demeanor, protective nature, and his ability to ease nerves with humor, as well as his iconic role as Indravadan Sarabhai.
A constellation of Bollywood stars, including Priyanka Chopra, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, R Madhavan, Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher, Johny Lever, Farah Khan, and Karan Johar, have all conveyed their sadness. Johny Lever, a friend of over four decades, expressed shock and sorrow, recounting a recent conversation with Shah and emphasizing his immense artistic contributions. Farah Khan reminisced about the delightful experience of working with Shah, particularly on ‘Main Hoon Na’, and fondly remembered their daily exchanges of jokes.
Anupam Kher released an emotional video, describing Shah’s death as shocking and highlighting his extensive knowledge and sense of humor. Hrithik Roshan expressed gratitude for Shah’s support as a newcomer, recognizing his enduring legacy of humor and inspiration. The cast of the beloved sitcom ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, including Rupali Ganguly, Sumeet Raghavan, and others, paid their respects at his cremation, sharing a tearful farewell.
Satish Shah’s career spanned decades, featuring memorable performances in films like ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’, ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’, ‘Main Hoon Na’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, and ‘Shaadi No. 1’.