New Delhi: Actor and director JD Majethia recalled the last words his friend and co-star Satish Shah said to him: “I want to retire.” He had visited Shah’s house just two days ago with his family, but couldn’t meet him.
“He was very tired and wanted to rest, so I had to return from outside his house,” Majethia, who worked for over two decades with Shah, told ThePrint.
Struggling to find words to describe the void, Majethia said Shah’s loss — to him and the industry — cannot be expressed. “People like him come once in a million years.”
Satish Shah, known for his performances in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Main Hoon Na (2004) and hit TV show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, died on Saturday reportedly due to kidney-related complications. He was 74.
He was a master of mirth, a chameleon actor, and a quiet force in Indian entertainment whose influence echoed long after the final curtain. His legacy isn’t just a list of films; it’s the dozens of laughs and countless ‘remember when…’ moments.
Shah showed us that a comedian isn’t just about punchlines. It’s about presence, consistency, and the ability to turn a scene into memory.
“He was a versatile actor, hence, an asset to the industry,” said Majethia.
Wizard, visionary and more
Majethia called Shah a “visionary”, a “wizard,” and an incredibly “well-read man.”
“You could talk to him about absolutely anything, from films and science to history, he had a deep understanding of it all,” Majethia said, adding that Shah’s affection for animals, especially birds, was fascinating.
Despite his towering stature in the industry, Shah never carried any airs.
“He never made anyone feel small in his presence. He was grounded and always made sure everyone felt included,” the filmmaker recalled. According to him, Shah was one of the most approachable people on set.
“Even when others forgot to reply to him, he would always respond. There was never any hint of a star attitude,” he said. “He was the ‘jaan’ of every conversation on set.”
Shah, Majethia added, brought energy not only to his characters and films but to the entire atmosphere on set.
“His network in the industry reflected his influence and his ability to build and nurture relationships is something everyone should learn from.”
For Majethia, Shah’s most unforgettable act remains his portrayal of a dead body in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.
“We have many brilliant actors, but no one could play a dead body quite like him. It was simply outstanding,” he said with a smile.
He described Shah’s face as “extremely screen-friendly.” “Just seeing him made you smile, he radiated positivity,” Majethia said, remembering his friend with warmth and admiration.
Satish Shah’s legacy
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Satish Shah began his career with small yet impactful roles in films like Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978) and Gaman (1978).
His big breakthrough came with Kundan Shah’s cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, where he played the corrupt yet hilariously unforgettable Municipal Commissioner D’Mello. The satirical film on corruption had a powerhouse ensemble including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Pankaj Kapur. Yet, Shah still managed to stand out.
Television soon became another playground for his talent. He won hearts with shows like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and Filmi Chakkar, where his impeccable comic timing and ability to effortlessly slip into multiple roles made him a household name.
In the early 2000s, he reached his career peak with Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, portraying Indravadan Sarabhai — the witty, sarcastic patriarch whose one-liners became part of pop culture. Alongside Ratna Pathak Shah, Rupali Ganguly, Sumeet Raghavan, and Rajesh Kumar, he turned the sitcom into a timeless classic that continues to find new fans even today.
Beyond television, Shah was a familiar and beloved face in Bollywood blockbusters. His filmography included Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Main Hoon Na, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Om Shanti Om, Fanaa, and Akele Hum Akele Tum. Whether as a comic relief or a charming side character, he added warmth and humour to every frame he appeared in.
Spanning over four decades, his career covered more than 200 films and TV shows — a testament to both his versatility and endurance. He connected effortlessly across generations — kids adored Indravadan, adults admired his film cameos, and loyal TV fans never forgot his early multi-character performances.
Even while spreading laughter to millions, he quietly battled health issues in his later years, reminding the world that behind every comic mask lies a person who also feels, struggles, and perseveres.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)