Veteran actor Satish Shah, known for his iconic roles in Indian television and films, passed away on Saturday due to kidney failure. The news has left fans and colleagues in shock, as the actor, who had a career spanning several decades, was remembered for his humour, versatility, and memorable performances. Recently, JD Majethia, producer of the popular sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, revealed that Shah had spoken to his on-screen wife, Ratna Pathak Shah, just two hours before his death, and the actor told them he was healthy.
JD Majethia shares Satish spoke to Ratna Pathak before death
Earlier that morning, he had also spoken to the show’s writer, Aatish Kapadia. JD Majethia described the actor as affectionate and close to his colleagues, sharing that Shah had talked about meeting soon, a plan that sadly never came to pass.
In an interview with PTI, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai producer revealed that Satish Shah had spoken to his on-screen wife, Ratna Pathak Shah, just two hours before his passing. JD Majethia recalled that he had planned to visit Shah the day before, but Satish had said he was too tired. He noted that Shah was affectionate, close to his colleagues’ families, and maintained regular contact with everyone.
“He spoke to everyone on the phone. He said, ‘Look how I’m sounding, I’m so healthy.’ He told me, ‘Aav ne pachi madiye, that ‘pachi’ will never come now. (He told me we shall meet later, but that later will never come now)," He also added that Shah often reassured others about his health, saying he felt well.
All you need to know about Satish Shah
Satish Shah gained widespread recognition for his role as Indravadan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, while Ratna Pathak Shah played his on-screen wife Maya. The show, a sitcom that became a cult classic, was praised for its witty dialogues and sharp humour, with Shah’s portrayal of the sarcastic yet endearing patriarch remaining one of the highlights.
Co-star Rajesh Kumar, who played Rosesh Sarabhai, expressed his grief on social media, calling Shah like a father figure and praising his life, humour, and contributions to the industry.
Shah’s career began after he graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He appeared in minor roles in films such as Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978) and Gaman (1979). He gained wider attention with Kundan Shah’s 1983 cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, where he played the corrupt municipal commissioner D’Mello. Despite being a “dead body” in the film, his scenes became some of the most memorable moments, especially during the now-famous Mahabharata play sequence.
On television, Shah showed his versatility in series like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984), where he played 55 different characters across the episodes, and Filmi Chakkar (1995). His work on Sarabhai vs Sarabhai in the early 2000s solidified his position as one of Indian television’s most beloved actors. The show returned briefly for a second season in 2017.
Fans and industry peers have expressed their condolences across social media, remembering Shah not only for his performances but also for his humour, charm, and contributions to Indian entertainment. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of memorable characters and timeless comedy.
JD Majethia shares Satish spoke to Ratna Pathak before death
Earlier that morning, he had also spoken to the show’s writer, Aatish Kapadia. JD Majethia described the actor as affectionate and close to his colleagues, sharing that Shah had talked about meeting soon, a plan that sadly never came to pass.In an interview with PTI, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai producer revealed that Satish Shah had spoken to his on-screen wife, Ratna Pathak Shah, just two hours before his passing. JD Majethia recalled that he had planned to visit Shah the day before, but Satish had said he was too tired. He noted that Shah was affectionate, close to his colleagues’ families, and maintained regular contact with everyone.
“He spoke to everyone on the phone. He said, ‘Look how I’m sounding, I’m so healthy.’ He told me, ‘Aav ne pachi madiye, that ‘pachi’ will never come now. (He told me we shall meet later, but that later will never come now)," He also added that Shah often reassured others about his health, saying he felt well.
All you need to know about Satish Shah
Satish Shah gained widespread recognition for his role as Indravadan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, while Ratna Pathak Shah played his on-screen wife Maya. The show, a sitcom that became a cult classic, was praised for its witty dialogues and sharp humour, with Shah’s portrayal of the sarcastic yet endearing patriarch remaining one of the highlights. Co-star Rajesh Kumar, who played Rosesh Sarabhai, expressed his grief on social media, calling Shah like a father figure and praising his life, humour, and contributions to the industry.
Shah’s career began after he graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He appeared in minor roles in films such as Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978) and Gaman (1979). He gained wider attention with Kundan Shah’s 1983 cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, where he played the corrupt municipal commissioner D’Mello. Despite being a “dead body” in the film, his scenes became some of the most memorable moments, especially during the now-famous Mahabharata play sequence.
On television, Shah showed his versatility in series like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984), where he played 55 different characters across the episodes, and Filmi Chakkar (1995). His work on Sarabhai vs Sarabhai in the early 2000s solidified his position as one of Indian television’s most beloved actors. The show returned briefly for a second season in 2017.
Fans and industry peers have expressed their condolences across social media, remembering Shah not only for his performances but also for his humour, charm, and contributions to Indian entertainment. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of memorable characters and timeless comedy.