Veteran actor Satish Shah, beloved for his iconic roles in Indian television and cinema, passed away on October 25 in Mumbai. While early reports suggested that the 72-year-old actor died due to kidney failure following a previous transplant, new information from his Sarabhai vs Sarabhai co-star Rajesh Kumar has clarified that the real cause was a sudden heart attack.

Initial confusion over cause of death

The first reports of Shah’s passing came from filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who announced the news on Instagram. Sharing a photo of the actor, Pandit wrote,

“Sad and shocked to inform you that our dear friend and a great actor, Satish Shah, expired a few hours ago due to kidney failure. He was rushed to Hinduja Hospital, where he breathed his last. A great loss to our industry. Om Shanti.”

Following the post, several media outlets reported kidney failure as the cause of death. Condolences and tributes poured in from across the film and television fraternity, mourning the loss of one of the industry’s most loved performers.

However, Rajesh Kumar, who played Rosesh Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, later confirmed that Shah was taken to Hinduja Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack, not kidney complications.

Clarification from co-star Rajesh Kumar

In a statement to media outlets, Rajesh Kumar said,

“It was not kidney failure. Satish ji suffered a sudden heart attack. He was taken to the hospital immediately but could not be revived. We are all devastated.”

The clarification has since been widely circulated, correcting earlier reports and putting an end to speculation surrounding the actor’s health in his final hours.

Remembering Satish Shah’s legacy

Satish Shah’s career spanned over four decades, with memorable performances across television and films. He became a household name through Doordarshan’s cult sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi in the 1980s and later achieved immense fame as Indravardhan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.

In films, he worked with leading directors and actors, appearing in hits like Main Hoon Na, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Om Shanti Om. Known for his impeccable comic timing and warmth both on and off the screen, Shah was admired by generations of audiences.

Tributes pour in from film fraternity

Several celebrities expressed grief over his demise. Actor Ratna Pathak Shah, his Sarabhai vs Sarabhai co-star, called him “a wonderful performer and an even better human being”. Filmmaker Farah Khan described him as “a legend of humour and heart.”

Fans also flooded social media with tributes, sharing clips and dialogues from Shah’s iconic performances that continue to evoke laughter.

Conclusion

Satish Shah’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian entertainment. His unmatched versatility and warmth made him one of the most cherished actors on television and in cinema. As colleagues and fans mourn his loss, his legacy of laughter and brilliance will continue to live on through his timeless performances.