For the Sarabhai vs Sarabhai family, October 26, 2025, marked a heartbreaking farewell as they gathered to say goodbye to Satish Shah, the beloved actor who played Indravadan Sarabhai. The scene was particularly emotional for Rupali Ganguly, who broke down inconsolably during the funeral proceedings.
The Industry Mourns a Legend
Satish Shah, the veteran actor renowned for his impeccable comic timing in classics like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and the cult series Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, passed away on October 25 at age 74 due to kidney failure. According to hospital reports, he was found unresponsive at his Mumbai home and was declared dead upon arrival at P.D. Hinduja Hospital despite extensive resuscitation efforts.
The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, fans, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called Shah a “true legend of Indian entertainment”. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the tragic news, revealing that Shah had undergone a kidney transplant several months earlier and had been struggling with health issues.
The Sarabhai Family’s Emotional Goodbye
As news of Shah’s passing spread, the entire cast of the beloved sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai gathered to pay their final respects in a moving display of real-life bonds that mirrored their on-screen family dynamics.
In what became the most poignant moment of the farewell, the cast stood before Shah’s mortal remains and sang the title track of their iconic show, using the familiar melody that had introduced their characters to audiences years earlier as their final goodbye.
Sumeet Raghavan, who played Shah’s on-screen son Sahil, had earlier shared heartfelt emotions on social media, remembering Shah not just as a colleague but as a father figure. “There’s only one Indravadan and that is Satish Shah,” he expressed emotionally.
Rupali Ganguly’s Personal Sorrow
For Rupali Ganguly, who played Monisha Singh Sarabhai, the middle-class daughter-in-law to Shah’s aristocratic Indravadan, the loss struck particularly deep. Multiple reports described her crying inconsolably during the funeral, overwhelmed by grief.
Visuals from the funeral showed Ganguly sobbing uncontrollably, with co-stars and creator JD Majethia stepping in to comfort her. At one point, she was seen folding her hands in a gesture requesting privacy from photographers, visibly shaken by the loss of her on-screen father-in-law.
The depth of Ganguly’s grief underscored the genuine bond the cast members shared off-screen, a connection that had endured long after the original show ended. Co-stars frequently mentioned how their off-screen relationships mirrored their on-screen characters, with the cast affectionately referring to Shah as “mom and dad” in real-life gatherings.
Beyond the Screen: Rupali Ganguly’s Journey
While today Ganguly is best known for her starring role as Anupamaa in the hit television series, for which she has won multiple awards including Indian Television Academy Awards and Indian Telly Awards, her portrayal of Monisha in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai remains iconic among fans.
Ganguly has established herself as one of Hindi television’s most prominent faces, known for pioneering changes in the portrayal of women on screen. Recently, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, marking her formal entry into politics.
Despite her current success, the emotional response to Shah’s passing reveals how deeply she valued the relationships formed during her Sarabhai vs Sarabhai days, reminding us that some on-screen families create genuine bonds that last long after the cameras stop rolling.
A Legacy That Will Continue to Bring Smiles
Satish Shah leaves behind a rich legacy spanning more than four decades in Indian entertainment. From his early work in Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi to his unforgettable film roles in Main Hoon Na, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Hum Saath Saath Hain, Shah defined sharp, situational humor for generations of Indians.
His manager recalled Shah’s final moments, noting that the actor collapsed during lunch at his home. Despite swift medical response, he could not be revived.
As the industry continues to process this significant loss, the heartfelt farewell from his Sarabhai vs Sarabhai family—particularly the emotional response from Rupali Ganguly—stands as a powerful testament to the man behind the characters: not just a brilliant comedian, but a beloved father figure whose impact extended far beyond the screen.
The P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre perhaps summarized it best in their official statement: “Mr. Shah was a beloved artist whose remarkable contribution to Indian cinema and television will always be remembered”.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Satish Shah pass away?
Satish Shah passed away due to kidney failure on October 25, 2025. He was found unresponsive at his Mumbai home and was declared dead upon arrival at P.D. Hinduja Hospital despite resuscitation efforts.
What was the relationship between Rupali Ganguly and Satish Shah?
They played on-screen family in the cult sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, where Ganguly portrayed Monisha, the daughter-in-law to Shah’s character Indravadan Sarabhai. Off-screen, they shared a close bond, with Ganguly considering him a father figure.
How did the Sarabhai vs Sarabhai cast pay tribute to Satish Shah?
The entire cast gathered at his funeral and sang the show’s title track as their final goodbye. Rupali Ganguly and Rajesh Kumar were particularly emotional, crying inconsolably during the last rites.
What is Rupali Ganguly famous for?
Rupali Ganguly is best known for her roles as Monisha Singh Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and currently as the titular character in the hit series Anupamaa, for which she has won multiple awards.
What were some of Satish Shah’s most notable works?
Satish Shah was celebrated for his roles in the classic film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, the sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, and numerous popular films including Main Hoon Na, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Hum Saath Saath Hain.
*For those whose lives were touched by Satish Shah’s work, consider revisiting his iconic performances in *Sarabhai vs Sarabhai* or Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro—not in mourning, but in celebration of the incredible joy he brought to millions through his artistic legacy.*
