Veteran actor and comedian Satish Shah will be conferred the Padma Shri posthumously today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the prestigious civilian honour. In the absence of his wife Madhu Shah, who is unable to travel due to health reasons, Shah’s cousin Arvind Mamania will accept the award on behalf of the late actor.
Speaking exclusively to HT City ahead of the ceremony, Mamania admitted that the family is still struggling to come to terms with Satish Shah’s passing.
“We have not yet come to terms with the shock. Seeing his wife every day reminds us of the kind of person he was. Our home used to be filled with laughter and smiles, and suddenly that happiness has disappeared. There’s a huge vacuum. We are taking care of Madhu; she is precious to us too,” he said.
Explaining why the family chose him to represent Shah at the ceremony, Mamania shared that the actor was much more than a cousin to him.
“He was like a brother to me. Since his wife is unwell and unable to travel, she couldn’t attend the ceremony. We wish this honour had come earlier, when he was alive, but we cannot change what has happened. My only wish is that when I receive the award on his behalf, he watches us from above and blesses us,” he said.
Mamania added that the family plans to hold a small celebration in Mumbai after returning from Delhi to honour Shah’s memory and celebrate the recognition bestowed upon him.
Satish Shah passed away in October 2025 after collapsing at his Mumbai residence while having lunch. He was immediately rushed to Hinduja Hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him. His demise left the film and television industry in mourning.
His last rites were held in Vile Parle, Mumbai, where several friends, colleagues and members of the entertainment fraternity gathered to pay their final respects to the beloved actor.
Known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable performances across films and television, Satish Shah enjoyed a career spanning decades. From his iconic roles in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to films such as Main Hoon Na and Kal Ho Naa Ho, Shah carved a special place in the hearts of audiences with his warmth and humour.
Though the Padma Shri honour comes after his passing, it serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to Indian cinema and television continue to be cherished by generations of fans.
