Veteran actor Satish Shah, who passed away at 74, revealed in an old interview that his strong command of Marathi stemmed from his upbringing in a Maharashtrian and Parsi-dominated Mumbai neighborhood. He considered himself more Maharashtrian than Gujarati, crediting the city’s diverse populace and street games for shaping his acting talent and success.
Renowned actor Satish Shah passed away on October 25, 2025, due to a cardiac arrest. He was 74. The actor, who was featured in multiple movies and TV shows, was known for his iconic roles in the film ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ and the serial ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’. Since his demise, several old videos have surfaced on the internet, including one in which he is heard saying that he is more of a Maharashtrian than a Gujarati.
When Satish Shah revealed why he is good at speaking Marathi
In an interview with popular Marathi actor Makrand Anaspure, Satish Shah was asked if he was good at speaking Marathi because his wife was a Maharashtrian. Shah quickly dismissed it and said that he could speak the language well because he was born and brought up in the area full of Maharashtrians and Parsis.
Shah said in Marathi, “Nahi nahi maza janma tikde zala aahe aahe, Forjett Street, Chikhalwadi. Forjett la aamhi cricket khelaycho, Sunil Gavaskar, Milind Rege, Sudhari Naik, lahanpani aamhi sagle (No no, I was born there in Forjett Street, Chikhalwadi area of Mumbai. At Forjett, we used to play cricket—Sunil Gavaskar, Milind Rege, and Sudhir Naik—during our childhood).”Satish further explained, “Our neighbourhood was full of Maharashtrians and Parsis. So I am more of a Maharashtrian than a Gujarati.”
On Mumbai shaping his success story
Anaspure then asked Satish what he feels about the city of Mumbai. The ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ actor said, “Mumbai is the main contributor of whatever little talent I have.” He added that he watched and observed the people of Mumbai and played Dabba icespice, Lagori, and cricket on the streets. The actor shared that he interacted with different people, and whatever experience he got from all of that helped him in the show, ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’.He expressed his gratitude towards the city for everything and said in Marathi, “Majhi janmabhooi and karmabhoomi, donhi Mumbai aahet (My birthplace and my workplace (or land of action/duty) are both Mumbai).” Go to Source
