Nilu Kohli remembers the late Satish Shah as a legend beyond words, recalling her fond memories of working with him in United Kacche and reflecting on his unmatched legacy in television and cinema.
She calls his demise “a personal loss for everyone who admired him.”
The passing of veteran actor Satish Shah has left a deep void in the entertainment industry. Known for his impeccable comic timing, warmth, and grace, Shah’s work across television and cinema has shaped generations of performers. Among those mourning his loss is actress Nilu Kohli, who shared screen space with him in two shows, including United Kacche. Though their professional association was brief, Nilu says his presence left an unforgettable mark on her.
“It’s such a loss and such a shock to each one of us,” she said, visibly emotional.
She added, “I haven’t worked with him extensively, but whatever little I did with him, calling him legendary would be an understatement. I think he was an institution. We worked together in two shows, including United Kacche and another one for Zee TV almost 22 years ago. Even that small experience was special. Working with Satish sir felt like a larger-than-life moment.”
For Nilu, the news of his passing brought back vivid memories of the golden era of television. “When I think of Satish sir, the first thing that comes to my mind is Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi. The title track, the background score, it all takes me back to those beautiful TV days. His journey from Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi to Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, to all those lovely Rajshri films and Farah Khan ma’am’s movies, it’s truly remarkable. His comic timing was flawless, and as a co-actor, he was so straightforward and giving.”
Remembering him fondly, she added, “It’s that knot in your stomach you get when you think of him as gone, because what an asset he was. All I can say is, may his onward journey be full of light. He may have left us, but his work will live on forever. Satish sir was one of those rare actors whose passing feels like a personal loss to everyone who admired him.”
