The atmosphere outside the cremation venue was filled with sorrow as Rupali Ganguly and Rajesh Kumar, who played Monisha and Rosesh Sarabhai respectively, broke down while paying their final respects. Rupali, overwhelmed with emotion, folded her hands before the media, requesting privacy in the heartbreaking moment.
Co-star Sumeet Raghavan was seen consoling Rupali, while Rajesh Kumar appeared visibly distraught as he left the venue. Their collective grief reflected the deep bond shared by the ‘Sarabhai’ family – both on and off-screen.
Bollywood and TV Fraternity Pay Tributes
Several members of the film and television fraternity gathered to offer condolences to Shah’s family. Among them were Farah Khan, Johny Lever, and Karan Johar, who recalled Shah’s impeccable comic timing and warm personality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the actor’s passing, calling him a “true legend of Indian entertainment.”
Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan expressed grief on social media, remembering Shah as an artist who brought joy to every home he entered. Tributes also poured in from younger actors who grew up watching his shows.
A Legacy Etched in Indian Television
Satish Shah’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, featuring memorable performances in both television and cinema. He was part of cult classics like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, and Main Hoon Na. His unique ability to blend wit with relatable emotions made him one of India’s most beloved character actors.
In interviews, Shah often credited his success to his audience’s laughter. “If I made someone smile after a long day, I’ve done my job,” he once said in an old interview.
Fans and Colleagues Remember a Legend
Fans flooded social media with emotional posts, sharing clips and dialogues from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai that once made Indian households burst into laughter. Many called him “the father figure of Indian comedy.”
His co-stars from various shows, including Ratna Pathak Shah and Deven Bhojani, also expressed their heartbreak. “We didn’t just lose a co-star; we lost a friend who was family,” said Bhojani.
Satish Shah is survived by his wife, Madhu Shah. The actor’s passing marks the end of an era, but his work will continue to inspire generations of comedians and actors to come.