Icon Satish Shah, the smile behind millions, dies of kidney failure at 74

Bollywood actor Satish Shah, whose very presence in films such as "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron" and "Main Hoon Na" and sitcom "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" elicited smiles and many a laugh, died on Saturday. He was 74.

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The ever amiable Shah passed away at his residence in Bandra East in the afternoon, Ramesh Kadatala, his trusted aide and personal assistant for over 30 years, said.

"He died due to kidney failure. His health suddenly deteriorated at his home and he was taken to Hinduja hospital, where he passed away... It is a huge loss for our industry. He was a jovial person," close friend and industry colleague Ashoke Pandit said.

In a statement, P D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre said it received an emergency call regarding Shah's health earlier in the day.

"An ambulance with a medical team was immediately sent to his residence, where he was found to be unresponsive. CPR was started in the ambulance itself and continued on arrival at the hospital. Despite the best efforts of our medical team, Mr Shah could not be revived," the hospital said in a statement.

A close friend and collaborator added that Shah had undergone a kidney transplant three months ago.

Born on June 25, 1951, Shah was a prominent figure in Indian cinema and television. His career spanned several decades, during which he earned acclaim for his comedic timing in movies such as "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro", "Maalamaal", "Hero Hiralal", "Main Hoon Na" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho".

He was married to designer Madhu Shah.

His last rites will be performed at Pawan Hans cremation ground on Sunday.