If you see Satish Shah’s name in the credits of any show or film, one thing is sure: you are going to witness a class act. No matter how small, insignificant, or absurd the role he is playing, he will deliver. His mere presence can fill the whole scene with positivity and impeccable comic timing, which is a rare sight.
Early Life
Satish Shah was born on June 25, 1951, in Bombay, Maharashtra, into a family with a non-filmy background He belongs to a Kutchi Gujarati family from Mandvi, Kutch. His father, Ravilal Shah, was a businessman. He grew up in Mumbai, with his brother Natwar and sister Madhuri.
Satish attended St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, studying commerce. He began with theater, performing with local groups in Mumbai. He then went to the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), laying the foundation for a remarkable career.
Satish Shah On Screen
Satish Shah’s career began with a role in Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s “Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan” in 1978. He followed it by small roles in films like Muzaffar Ali’s Gaman (1979), and Umrao Jaan (1981). Shah again worked woth Saeed Akhtar Mirza in Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai (1981). He also acted in Ramesh Sippy’s Shakti (1982).
In 1983, he was cast as Municipal Commissioner D’Mello in Kundan Shah’s “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.” In this cult classic satire, Satish Shah’s portrayal of a corrupt municipal commissioner and later as his dead body is both hilarious and thought-provoking. His character’s antics and memorable lines like “Thoda Khao Thoda Phenko” have become a part of Indian cinema history.
Satish’s chemistry with Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Pankaj Kapur and Om Puri was top notch and resulted in countless funny moments. The role earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Performance in a Comic Role.
He slowly gets his footing and acted in many films like Meri Kahanii (1984), Purana Mandir (1984), Vidhaan (1986), Vikram Betaal (1986), Amrit (1986), Anokha Rishta (1986), Kalyug Aur Ramayan (1987), Jaan Hatheli Pe (1987), Maalamaal (1988), Veerana (1988), Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1988), Hero Hiralal (1988), and many more.
Satish Shah On TV
Satish Shah became a household name with his television series “Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi” in 1984. He portrayed around 60 different characters over the course of the series, showcasing his exceptional range as an actor. One of his other memorable serial was Filmi Chakkar (1993), with Ratna Pathak Shah. He also appeared in TV shows like Biwi Toh Biwi Salla Re Salla (1996), Mast Mast Hain Zindagi (1997), Ghar Jamai (1997), and Nehle Pe Dehla (1999). He also teamed with Archana Puran Singh as a judge on Comedy Circus (2008).
His most loved TV role came in “Sarabhai V/S Sarabhai (2004),” as Indravadan Sarabhai. His portrayal of a witty, carefree, but deeply loving man is still remembered fondly. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, created by Aatish Kapadia, revolves around the eccentric Sarabhai family, an upper-class Gujarati household in Mumbai. Indravadan Sarabhai (Satish Shah) and his wife Maya (Ratna Pathak Shah) clash over his middle-class habits. To the horror of Maya, their son Sahil (Sumeet Raghavan), a doctor, married a stereotypical middle-class girl, Monisha (Rupali Ganguly). The younger son, Roshes, played brilliantly by Rajesh Kumar, is a poet with quirky rhymes. Maya (Rupali Ganguly) embodies elite sophistication, contrasting Monisha. The narrative explores generational and cultural tensions, delivered through witty dialogues. he reprised his role in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Take 2 (2017).
Other Work
With a career spanning over four decades and featuring more than 200 movies, Satish Shah’s influence on Indian comedy is unparalleled. His ability to infuse life into every character, regardless of screen time, has made him a beloved figure in the industry.
Satish Shah has an array of memorable roles in films like Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! (1989), Hatim Tai (1990), Thanedaar (1990), Benaam Badsha (1991), Narsimha (1991), Bomb Blast (1993), Aashiq Awara (1993), Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1994), Akele Hum Akele Tum (1994), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Hero No. 1 (1997), Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000), Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000), Saathiya (2002), Chalte Chalte (2003), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Main Hoon Na (2004), Fanaa (2006), Om Shanti Om (2007), Bhootnath (2008), and many more.
He also acted in Marathi films like Gammat Jammat (1987) and Wajva Re Wajva (1993).
Satish Shah was appointed as a member of the Film and Television Institute of India society in 2015
Personal Life
Satish married Madhu Shah, a fashion designer, in 1982. They met at the Sipta Film Festival, where he proposed instantly. Their love story is one of persistence and romance. Despite initial rejections, Satish’s unwavering love eventually won Madhu’s heart, leading to a marriage that has stood the test of time. Madhu supported his career, designing costumes for his early projects. They reside in Mumbai, maintaining a private life.
Satish Shah on IMDB
