On Saturday, October 25, 2025, veteran Indian actor, Satish Shah, who was most well-know for his role of Indravadan Sarabhai from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, passed away after a lengthy hospitalization due to kidney failure at 74.
With his impeccable comic timing and many decades contribution to Indian cinema and television, Shah’s passing is a loss of an era to millions of fans that grew up with amazing versatility and performances.
Satish Shah’s Cause of Death
As others have reported, including The Times of India and India Today, Satish Shah had been receiving treatment for kidney related issues for some time. He had improved, however, in recent weeks his health took a turn for the worse, and in not much time, he was hospitalized.
He ultimately died of kidney failure in a private hospital in Mumbai, which his family confirmed Saturday morning.
Shah's health had been a question for him in recent years, however, with the pandemic, he chose to maintain a more private life. He did recover from Covid in 2020 and seemed to have a positive outlook then.
His death has left the film and television community mourning a performer who made millions laugh for over four decades.

A Career That Defined Indian Comedy
Satish Shah began his entertainment career in India in the mid-1970s, and he gradually became one of Bollywood’s best-known and most revered character actors. Indeed, he starred in over 250 films including Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Main Hoon Na, and Kal Ho Naa Ho.
However, it was his television appearances that solidified his legendary status centered around Satish Shah. His portrayal of Indravadan Sarabhai in the comedy series Sarabhai vs Sarabhai became a cultural phenomenon, reinforcing Satish Shah’s status as an actor who had become a household name. The witty, sarcastic, lovable patriarch of the satirical Sarabhai family became one of Indian television's most iconic and cherished performances.
Outside of acting, Shah was also known for his kindness, professionalism and mentorship to young artists in the entertainment business and industry. His colleagues often recall him as a “gentle giant” who could brighten up any movie set with his jovial banter.

Tributes Pour In from Film Fraternity
As news of Satish Shah's death spread, numerous Bollywood filmmakers and stars took to social media to express their condolences.
"He was a great mind and a pal who made every moment lighter," recalled Actor Ratna Pathak Shah who starred with Satish Shah in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
"He was a true legend and made comedy look easy," noted director Karan Johar.Boman Irani who worked with Shah tweeted, "Satishji had an infectious laugh and a heart of pure gold."
Satish Shah's funeral will reportedly be held in Mumbai on October 26 and will be attended by close friends, family, and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Absolutely heartbroken to hear the passing of Satish Shah.
— ANMOL JAMWAL (@jammypants4) October 25, 2025
One of my favourite actors, both in film and on TV 💔 pic.twitter.com/cGrO3wHGPI
Satish Shah maintained relevance with older and newer generations of viewers even after decades of work. Despite his tragic passing, he leaves behind a whole generation of younger actors and filmmakers inspired by his timeless comic roles and charming on-screen presence.
The Indian entertainment community has lost another actor and cultural symbol despite decades of work. Shah's permanent cultural legacy will continue to inspire outstanding work, especially in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, enabling others to laugh for many years to come.
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