Veteran Indian actor and director Satish Kaushik has passed away at the age of 66 in Delhi. According to reports, the beloved artist suffered a heart attack while travelling in a car on Thursday morning, 9th March 2023. Despite being rushed to a hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The terrible loss has left his friends and fans devastated, while many others shared how Kaushik impacted their lives with his comical talent. Kaushik was an alumnus of Kirori Mal College at Delhi University and the National School of Drama. He was an active figure on social media where he shared memories of his illustrious career and fans loved communicating with him.
Satish Kaushik – A Complete Package
Kaushik was a multi-talented artist who wore many hats in the Hindi film industry as an actor, producer, comedian and screenwriter. His breakthrough role was in the 1987 superhit Mr India, where he played a cook named Calendar. This particular role showcased his incredible comic timing and made him one of the favourites of audiences.
He continued to captivate fans with memorable characters in several other films such as Ram Lakhan, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Deewana Mastana. He also directed several movies, leaving behind a lasting influence on the industry with films like Prem, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain and Tere Naam.
Indian Film Industry Mourns The Loss of a Legend
Satish Kaushik’s sudden demise has left a void in the hearts of his fans, friends and colleagues. Besides the industry, many politicians and sportsmen also paid tribute to the veteran.
Fellow legend Anupam Kher, who was friends with Kaushik for 45 years, expressed his grief on social media, saying that life would never be the same without him.
Director Subhash Ghai remembered Kaushik as a man who always laughed, even in the worst of crises, and stood by anyone in their time of need.
Actors Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Sunny Deol, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and many more sent their condolences to the grieving family. Here’s another comedy legend Johnny Lever remembering the first time he met Kaushik.
Tribute by Politicians and Cricketers
Several members of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) paid heartfelt tributes to Satish Kaushik. Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot acknowledged the late artist’s contribution to Indian cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter to express his grief over the unexpected passing of a renowned film personality. He acknowledged him as a gifted artist who captivated audiences with his exceptional acting and directing skills. PM Modi believed that Satish Kaushik’s legacy will live on through his impressive body of work that will continue to delight viewers. The premier offered his condolences to Kaushik’s family and fans, concluding his message with the traditional Hindu prayer, “Om Shanti.
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh voiced his gloom upon waking up to the sad news of Satish Kaushik’s passing. Singh praised Kaushik as a remarkable performer who always had the ability to bring joy to his audience. He offered his sincere sympathies to Kaushik’s family, fans, and supporters.
Posthumous Appearance
Satish Kaushik’s last appearance on the big screen will be in the upcoming film Emergency. It will be a period drama based on events of not-so-distant history. The film will depict the controversial period between 1975 to 1977 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country, suspending fundamental rights and civil liberties.
The move was sparked by political and economic instability, as well as a court ruling that found her guilty of electoral malpractice. During the Emergency, the government censored the press, suspended elections, and arrested political opponents, activists, and journalists. It was widely criticized due to human rights abuses and authoritarian rule. The Emergency was lifted in 1977 after widespread protests and the defeat of Indira Gandhi’s party in the elections.
The biographical take will be directed and produced by Bollywood actor Kangna Ranaut who will also play the lead role of PM Indira Gandhi. The rest of the cast includes Anupam Kher as independence activist Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mahima Chaudhary as Pupul Jayakar, and Milind Soman as Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw.
Satish Kaushik was cast as Jagjivan Ram, a Dalit politician and freedom fighter known for his advocacy of social justice and for promoting the rights of marginalized communities.
