The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a true legend, Satish Shah, who passed away suddenly on October 25 at the age of 74. While initial reports cited kidney failure, the real cause, as clarified by his Sarabhai vs Sarabhai co-star Rajesh Kumar, was a sudden cardiac arrest. The veteran actor reportedly collapsed at home during lunch and could not be revived after being rushed to the hospital.
An Unforgettable On-Screen Partnership
Satish Shah’s passing is especially poignant for his long-time friend and on-screen wife, Ratna Pathak Shah, who played the iconic duo of Indravadan and Maya Sarabhai. Their effortless chemistry and comedic brilliance defined a generation of Indian television, making their bond special both in front of and behind the camera.
In a deeply personal tribute penned for the Indian Express, Ratna Pathak Shah shared the jarring sequence of events on the day he died, revealing how a final moment of shared laughter instantly turned into overwhelming grief.
The Heartbreaking Timing of His Final Text
Ratna Pathak Shah’s last interaction with Satish Shah was a typical exchange of humor—a simple, light-hearted message received just hours before the devastating news.
| Time | Interaction | Detail |
| 12:57 PM | Satish Shah’s Last Text | He sent a witty message reading: “I’m often mistaken for an adult because of my age.” |
| 2:14 PM | Ratna’s Reply | Amused, she promptly texted back: “That’s just right for you!” |
| 3:49 PM | The Shocking News | Barely an hour and a half later, she received a text from producer JD Majethia: “Satishbhai is no more!” |
Recalling the moment the news hit, Ratna described the immediate confusion and disbelief that swept through their close circle of friends. “At first, it felt like someone was pulling a fast one in terrible taste. As it sank in, it became even more unbelievable. Satish gone! A man determined to live life more fully, laugh at it and take every blow on the chin and come out smiling, gone!” she wrote.
She further noted the surreal detail that many of their friends had received similar light-hearted WhatsApp messages from him that very day, making his sudden departure all the more stunning. The death of Satish Shah truly marks the end of an era defined by his natural comedy and the warmth he radiated both professionally and personally.