Mumbai: In a twist of fate that has left fans stunned, veteran Bollywood and television actor Satish Shah, famed for his impeccable comic timing, breathed his last on his 74th birthday — October 25— marking a poignant connection to the number 25 that began on the very same date in 1951.
The Mumbai-born icon, who had been battling kidney failure, passed away on Saturday, plunging the entertainment world into grief just days after a spate of celebrity losses.
Shah’s demise comes amid a heartbreaking wave, with nearly half a dozen artists departing in the past fortnight. Tributes have poured in from celebrities and admirers alike, celebrating a career that spanned decades of laughter and memorable roles. Yet, it’s the uncanny symmetry with ’25’ that’s capturing imaginations: born on June 25, 1951, and now gone on October 25, 2025. “It’s a bizarre synchronicity that feels scripted by destiny,” said a close industry associate.
A master of versatility, Shah etched his name in history with the 1984 cult serial ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’, where he astonishingly portrayed 55 distinct characters across 55 episodes — a feat that remains a benchmark in Indian television. His small-screen triumphs extended to hits like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Jamaai Raja, and Filmi Chakkar, with the former earning him enduring acclaim for his portrayal of the eccentric Indravadan Sarabhai.
On the silver screen, Shah’s charm lit up classics such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Judwaa, Saajan Chale Sasural, Gharwali Baharwali, Aankhen, Anari No.1, and Main Hoon Na. His ability to blend humour with his heart made him a household name.
As the industry mourns, Shah’s legacy endures — a reminder that even in loss, life’s ironies can weave tales as compelling as his on-screen stories.