Satish Shah passes away: Rajesh Kumar, Sumeet Raghavan and others bids emotional goodbye

Veteran actor Satish Shah, a name that stood for warmth, wit, and impeccable comic timing, passed away on Saturday, October 25, following kidney failure. The news was confirmed by filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, leaving the entertainment industry in deep sorrow. Shah’s manager shared that the last rites will be held on Sunday, October 26, at Pawan Hans cremation ground, Mumbai.

Across social media, tributes poured in for the actor who entertained audiences for over four decades through films and television. From his unforgettable portrayal in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to the ever-loved Indravadan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Shah’s performances became part of India’s pop culture memory.

Rajesh Kumar remembers his on-screen father

Rajesh Kumar, who played Rosesh Sarabhai in the sitcom, was among the first to react. Sharing a heartfelt post, he wrote, “This is the worst hour for me… I still cannot process that Satish ji is no more. All I can say is it feels like I have lost my father. A man full of life and humour… this is a big loss for the industry and for us, the Sarabhai family.”

Rajesh’s message resonated with many fans who have long associated the show’s fictional family with genuine affection off-screen. His words summed up the void left behind by an actor who shaped Indian comedy with depth and grace.

Rakesh Bedi breaks down on camera

Actor Rakesh Bedi, Shah’s close friend and batchmate from FTII, shared an emotional video on Instagram. Fighting back tears, he said, “I am feeling extremely emotional today. One of my dearest friends, Satish Shah, is no more. We did Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi together and many more projects. It’s difficult to express the pain I feel. I loved him a lot. Rest in peace, bro.”

The two actors shared decades of friendship, beginning from their student days, and continued to collaborate through several projects in theatre, television, and films.

Sumeet Raghavan pays his final tribute

Sumeet Raghavan, who played Indravadan’s elder son Sahil Sarabhai, also posted a moving video on Instagram. Struggling to hold back tears, he said, “Today, the eldest member of the Sarabhai family has left us. He had been unwell for quite some time. Life can be very cruel. All the fans of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai are sending their condolences. As the eldest son of this family, I accept them on behalf of us. And to Dad, I just want to say, so long, Dada. Safe travels, and see you on the other side.”

Reflecting on their bond, Sumeet shared that the cast often addressed each other by their screen names even years after the show ended. “Whenever we met, we were not Sumeet, Rupali, or Rajesh. We talked to each other as Sahil, Monisha, Rosesh, Dad, and Mom. The bigger the show became, the stronger our bond grew,” he said. In his caption, Sumeet added, “Love you Satish kaka, love you dad. We all love you and miss you, Indu. Narad Muni forever.”

Industry and fans unite in grief

The news of Shah’s passing has hit hard, especially since it comes just days after the death of his Ghar Ki Izzat co-star Asrani. Fans have been sharing clips from their memorable scene together, calling it “the end of an era.”

Reality TV personality Raghu Ram also paid tribute, writing on X, “RIP Satish Shah. You will always be treasured by our generation.”

In a career spanning over forty years, Satish Shah worked across genres and mediums. From playing the unforgettable corpse in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to charming audiences as Professor Rasai in Main Hoon Na and Principal Malhotra in Kal Ho Naa Ho, his ability to blend humour with heart made him stand apart.

Final journey

According to reports, Shah’s mortal remains will be kept at his Bandra residence between 10 am and 11 am on Sunday, allowing family, friends, and fans to pay their respects. His final rites will take place at 12 pm at Pawan Hans cremation ground, S.V. Road.

Satish Shah leaves behind a legacy that shaped Indian comedy for generations. His characters, whether on film or television, were more than just roles—they were reflections of his instinctive understanding of human quirks and emotions. As fans continue to share scenes, laughter, and lines he once delivered effortlessly, one thing feels certain: Indravadan Sarabhai may have left the screen, but Satish Shah’s laughter will echo for years to come.