A light joke on WhatsApp. A smiling reply. Then silence. That is the bittersweet memory Ratna Pathak Shah is left with after losing her dear Sarabhai vs Sarabhai co-star Satish Shah so suddenly. The actor passed away at home while having lunch, leaving fans and friends in deep shock. Satish Shah’s death has left a huge void in Indian comedy, and for those who loved him closely, the reality still feels unreal.
Ratna shared her last conversation with Satish in a tribute published in the Indian Express. On 25 October at 12:57 PM, Satish messaged her, “I’m often mistaken for an adult because of my age." Ratna found it typical of his humour and replied at 2:14 PM, “That’s just right for you!"
Barely two hours later, a message from producer JD Majethia arrived at 3:49 PM, saying, “Satishbhai is no more!"
Ratna wrote how unbelievable it felt to even read those words. She said he was always someone who lived fully and “come out smiling". The news shattered everyone who knew him. Many others had also received similar fun messages from him only hours before.
Rajesh Kumar AKA Rosesh confirms real cause of death
After the news broke, some reports claimed kidney failure was responsible. But actor Rajesh Kumar (Rosesh Sarabhai) clarified the truth while speaking to Bollywood Hungama. “Yes, he did have a kidney issue, but he actually passed away due to a heart attack." He revealed Satish was completely fine and spending a normal day at home. “He was at home, having lunch, and then he just… passed away."
Rajesh added that his kidney issue “had already been dealt with" and was “under control". The suddenness is what has left everyone shaken and emotional.
Goodbye to Indravadan Sarabhai: a legend of simple, pure comedy
For millions, Satish Shah will always be Indravadan Sarabhai — sarcastic, witty, effortlessly funny. His chemistry with Ratna Pathak Shah as Maya and Indravadan shaped one of India’s most beloved sitcoms. Their bond was not just for the camera. They were close friends for decades, and that is why this loss hurts so much.
