The Hindi film and television industry is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished comic talents, Satish Shah, who passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the age of 74. The veteran actor, celebrated for his exceptional comic timing and effortless charm, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of laughter on both the big and small screens.
The cause of death was confirmed as kidney failure. The actor’s passing comes despite a recent kidney transplant. P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre released a statement confirming that an ambulance was dispatched to his residence after an emergency call, where he was found to be unresponsive. Despite immediate CPR and the medical team’s best efforts upon arrival at the hospital, Mr. Shah could not be revived.
The final rites for the late actor are scheduled to be held at the Pawan Hans Cremation Ground on S.V. Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, at 12 p.m. on Sunday, October 26. He is survived by his wife, Madhu Shah.
A Legacy of Laughter on Screen
For generations of fans, Satish Shah’s familiar face brought comfort, heart, and, most importantly, laughter to every story he was part of.
While he is widely remembered for his mischievous and beloved character Indravadhan Sarabhai in the cult-classic sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, his career spanned decades and over 250 films. Key cinematic roles included the hilarious, spitting Professor Madhav Rasai in Main Hoon Na and his iconic, largely-dead character, Commissioner D’Mello, in the 1983 classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. His television breakthrough came much earlier in the landmark 1984 sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, where his versatility shone as he played 55 different characters across 55 episodes.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Emotional Farewell
Among the numerous condolences pouring in from the film fraternity is a heartfelt tribute from megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Shah’s co-star from the film Bhoothnath.
In an emotional blog post, the veteran actor shared his sorrow, reflecting on the suddenness of the loss. “Another day another work another quiet .. Another of us passes away .. Satish Shah, a young talent , and has left us at a very young age .. And the stars they favour not .. to us all ..” Bachchan wrote.
Reflecting on the need for perseverance amidst profound grief, ‘Big B’ added, “It is in the ease to abide by that age old wordage .. ‘but the show must go on’ .. and so it does as does life .. Each day an express of an alternate… hence .. even in distress and glumness despondency, the face of normalcy and the act of work, persists .. but no .. improper to pursue normalcy.”
Industry and Fans Mourn
Tributes have flooded social media from colleagues like Kajol, R Madhavan, and Farah Khan, all expressing their shock and grief at the sudden demise of a generous soul and a gifted artist. The emotional outpouring underscores the profound impact Shah had on his peers and the millions of fans who grew up watching his versatile performances. His unique ability to merge razor-sharp wit with genuine warmth cemented his status as a legendary figure in Indian entertainment.