We remember Shail Chaturvedi as a poet, satirist, actor, and lyricist who was known for his teddy bear-like appearance and characteristic lyrical way of talking. Some of his most memorable films include “Uphaar,” “Chitchor,” “Havaldar Pandey,” “Chameli Ki Shaadi,” “Jawani Zindabad,” and serials like “Kakaji Kahin,” “Zabaan Sambhalke,” and “Shrimaan Shrimati.”
Early Life and Career
Shail Chaturvedi was born on June 29, 1936, in Amravati, Maharashtra. He was writing poetry from a young age and was a regular at the local Kavi Sammelan. He started his professional career as a lecturer at Allahabad University. The literary atmosphere of Allahabad University nurtured him as a poet and made him a famous name in poetry circles.

Chaturvedi’s sharp wit and incisive political commentary earned him a place among the leading humorists of the 1970s and 1980s, such as Kaka Hathrasi, Pradeep Chaubey, and Ashok Chakradhar.
Chaturvedi made his film debut with Rajshri’s Sudhendu Roy-directed “Uphaar” starring Jaya Bhaduri and Swarup Dutta in 1971. He went on to appear in many notable films like “Chitchor (1976),” “Honeymoon (1973),” Agent Vinod (1977),” Naiyya (1979),” “Kashish (1980), Manokaamnaa (1980), Payal Ki Jhankaar (1980), Hum Do Hamare Do (1984), Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986), Bahaar (1988), Maar Dhaad (1988), 1990 Jawani Zindabad (1990), Narsimha (1991), Ghar Jamai (1992), Dhanwan (1990), Zid (1994), Ab Insaf Hoga (1995), Kareeb (1998), Tirchhi Topiwale (1998), and many more.
He also wrote lyrics for a few movies, like “Hum Farishte Nahin,” Naya Zeher,” and “Raiszaada.”
Shail Chaturvedi On TV
Chaturvedi was also a regular face on TV in the 1980s and 1990s, both as a poet in the iconic “Dordarshan Kavi Sammelans” and as an actor in serials like “Kakaji Kahin,” “Peechha Karo,” “Zabaan Sambhal Ke,” “Hina,” “Yeh Hai Jhumri Talayiya,” “Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai,” “Byomkesh Bakshi,” and many more. He also played the iconic “Sharma Ji” in the sitcom “Shrimaan Shrimati.”


Chaturvedi’s written works, such as “Bazar Ka Ye Hal Hai” and “Chal Gayi,” are social commentaries, reflecting the issues and sentiments of the common man. Published in 1988, “Bazar Ka Ye Hal Hai” stands out as a poignant critique of the socio-economic conditions of the time. It also shows his exceptional ability to observe the minute aspects of daily life and present them through a satirical lens, often highlighting the absurdities and contradictions within society.
Personal Life
Shail married Daya Chaturvedi, with whom he had three sons: Vishal, Vihan, and Vivek Chaturvedi. Sadly, Shail Chaturvedi passed away on October 29, 2007, after a battle with chronic kidney failure.
Shail Chaturvedi on IMDB