When Satish Shah revealed how he could speak Marathi fluently: “It’s not because my wife is Maharashtrian, I used to play cricket with Sunil Gavaskar…”

When Satish Shah revealed how he could speak Marathi fluently: “It’s not because my wife is Maharashtrian, I used to play cricket with Sunil Gavaskar…”

Veteran actor Satish Shah, who passed away on October 25 at the age of 74, left behind a treasure of performances and fond memories. Known for his impeccable comic timing in shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and countless Hindi films, Satish Shah was also loved for his humility and deep connection with Mumbai, the city that shaped him.

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After his passing, an old interview of the actor has resurfaced online, where he spoke warmly about his bond with the city and his surprising fluency in Marathi. The video features Shah in conversation with actor Makarand Anaspure. When asked if he speaks fluent Marathi because his wife is Maharashtrian, Shah smiled and replied, “No, no! It’s not because of that. I was born here. We used to play cricket on the streets with Sunil Gavaskar, Rege, and others when we were kids. The people around us were all Maharashtrian and Parsi. So I always say I’m more Maharashtrian than Gujarati.”

That lighthearted line perfectly captures Satish Shah’s spirit, a true Mumbaikar, comfortable in every corner of the city and every culture it represents. His ease with languages, people, and humor made him relatable across generations. The actor continued in the same interview, sharing how much Mumbai meant to him: “Whatever art I have in me, Mumbai has the biggest role in that. I learned to understand people here. Playing games like cricket, lagori, and dabba aais-paais on the streets gave me confidence. I met so many people, made so many friends, it all helped me grow. I thank Mumbai because it’s both my birthplace and my workplace.”

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That affection for Mumbai wasn’t just talk. Throughout his career, Shah portrayed characters who reflected the city’s essence — sharp-witted, resilient, and full of heart. From Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi to Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, his roles celebrated the everyday quirks of urban life with rare warmth.

Satish Shah began his film journey in 1970 with Bhagwan Parshuram and went on to appear in some of Hindi cinema’s most loved films like Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Masti, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Whether it was comedy or emotional drama, his performances carried honesty and ease that few could match.