Veteran actor Satish Shah, known for Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, passed away at 74 in Mumbai. The actor's last X post, a heartfelt birthday message to Shammi Kapoor, now stands as his final public words. Bollywood mourns the loss of one of its most loved comedians.Veteran actor Satish Shah, best known for his comic brilliance in Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Main Hoon Na, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 74. The actor reportedly suffered kidney failure on Saturday afternoon. His last social media post, made just a day earlier on October 24, was a touching birthday message to late actor Shammi Kapoor, reading, "Happy B'day dearest Shammi ji. You are always around for me."
News of Satish Shah's passing was confirmed by filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who shared that the actor was taken to Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai after his health deteriorated at home. Despite medical efforts, he could not be saved. Pandit described the loss as "a huge one for the industry," calling Shah "a great actor and an even greater human being."
According to reports, Satish Shah's longtime assistant, Ramesh Kadatala, mentioned that the actor likely suffered a heart attack, though the final medical confirmation is awaited. His funeral will take place in Mumbai, where colleagues, friends, and fans are expected to pay their respects.
Just a day before his passing, Shah had taken to X (formerly Twitter) to remember legendary actor Shammi Kapoor on his birth anniversary. The post has now gone viral, with fans expressing heartbreak over how his final words celebrated another icon of Indian cinema. The message, written with affection and nostalgia, reflected the warmth and humility Shah carried throughout his career.
Born on June 25, 1951, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Satish Shah came from a Kutchi Gujarati background. He studied at St. Xavier's College before joining the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, where his acting journey began.
He made his film debut in Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978), but it was his role as Municipal Commissioner D'Mello in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) that cemented his legacy as a versatile performer. Over the years, he appeared in more than 250 films, including Hum Saath Saath Hain, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Om Shanti Om.
On television, Shah became a household name through iconic roles, especially as Indravadan Sarabhai in Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, a performance still adored by fans for its wit and charm.
Colleagues from the industry have begun sharing their condolences online, remembering Shah as an actor who brought laughter and light to every set he worked on. His ability to blend humour with emotional depth made him one of the most respected figures in Indian entertainment.
In 2015, Shah was appointed as a member of the Film and Television Institute of India society, further highlighting his contribution to Indian cinema and arts.
As fans continue to revisit his timeless performances, Satish Shah's passing marks the end of an era -- one defined by laughter, humility, and grace both on and off the screen.