Bollywood stars mourn death of veteran actor
Actor Satish Shah, whose very presence in films such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and Main Hoon Na and sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai elicited smiles and many a laugh, died on Saturday. He was 74.
The ever amiable Shah passed away at his residence in Bandra East in the afternoon, Ramesh Kadatala, his trusted aide and personal assistant for over 30 years, told PTI.
‘He died due to kidney failure. His health suddenly deteriorated at his home and he was taken to Hinduja hospital, where he passed away… It is a huge loss for our industry. He was a jovial person,’ close friend and industry colleague Ashoke Pandit told PTI.
In a statement, P D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre said it received an emergency call regarding Shah’s health earlier in the day.
“An ambulance with a medical team was immediately sent to his residence, where he was found to be unresponsive. CPR was started in the ambulance itself and continued on arrival at the hospital. Despite the best efforts of our medical team, Mr Shah could not be revived,’ the hospital said.
A close friend and collaborator added that Shah had undergone a kidney transplant three months ago.
Born on June 25, 1951, Shah was a prominent figure in Indian cinema and television. His career spanned several decades, during which he earned acclaim for his comedic timing in movies such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Maalamaal, Hero Hiralal, Main Hoon Na and Kal Ho Naa Ho.
He was married to designer Madhu Shah.
His last rites will be performed at Pawan Hans cremation ground on Sunday.
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Shah initially appeared in minor roles in films such as Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978) and Gaman (1979). He played a small yet pivotal part in Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan (1981) as Dilawar, the man who sells Rekha’s Amiran to courtesans in Lucknow.
He became a household name after he featured in filmmaker Kundan Shah’s 1983 cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, playing the role of the corrupt municipal commissioner D’Mello.
Bollywood has been left in a state of shock after learning about the sudden passing away of veteran actor Satish Shah. Many B-town celebs used social media to mourn the loss of the prominent actor.
Following the news of the actor’s demise, Bollywood director Karan Johar extended his condolences for Satish Shah on his Instagram handle.
The maker of the popular show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai JD Majethia mourned the loss of actor Satish Shah.
Choreographer and director Farah Khan, Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, R Madhavan, Kajol, Sunny Deol Amrita Rao, Aamir Khan’s home banner Aamir Khan Productions, The Cine and TV Artistes Association used social media to pay tribute to the veteran actor.
PM extends condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that late actor Satish Shah will be remembered as ‘the a true legend of Indian entertainment’.
Sharing his grief over the loss of the veteran actor, PM Modi wrote on his official X (Earlier known as Twitter) timeline, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Satish Shah Ji. He will be remembered as a true legend of Indian entertainment (sic).”
Offering his condolences to the family of the deceased, PM added, “His effortless humour and iconic performances brought laughter into countless lives. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. (sic)” (Agencies)
