When Satish Shah spoke about playing cricket with Sunil Gavaskar and Sudhir Naik in his neighborhood, 'Those are wonderful memories'

Satish Shah, who passed away at the age of 74 due to kidney failure, was known for his role as Municipal Commissioner D’Mello in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Before becoming one of Indian cinema’s most beloved comic figures, Shah spent his early years in the heart of South Mumbai, growing up surrounded by cricketers and playing alongside them.

Growing up with cricket greats

In a past interview with News18, Shah fondly recalled that his childhood neighborhood produced many talented cricketers. He grew up playing alongside names that would later become legendary. Sharing his memories, he said, “My neighborhood — I enjoyed it thoroughly, and a lot of cricketers have also come out of the area I stayed in, like Sunil Gavaskar and, of late, Sudhir Naik… We used to play cricket together, and those are wonderful memories.”

His words reflected not just nostalgia but deep affection for the people and places that shaped him.Recalling that period, he also described Mumbai as a smaller world: “For us, Mumbai ended at Dadar; going beyond that was beyond imagination.” He added that the city has changed slowly and steadily over the years.

Remembering his friend Farooq Shaikh

In the same interview, the late actor spoke about his late friend and co-star Farooq Shaikh. “I miss him a lot even today. We’ve been together from 1970–71, and then suddenly he left us,” Shah said. “This guy couldn’t control his laughter, even on stage… We have some wonderful memories together.” The two had worked together in 'Club 60.'

A memorable film career

Over his long career, Satish Shah appeared in numerous popular films, including 'Main Hoon Na', 'Shakti', 'Hum Saath Saath Hai', and 'Om Shanti Om', leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.