Satish Kaushik Death Anniversary: A Life Filled with Laughter, Dreams, and Cinematic Brilliance

This story takes us back to the 90s when Satish Kaushik was still navigating his way through the struggles of the film industry. One day, while he was shooting at Filmalaya Studio, I had gone there to interview Anil Kapoor. After finishing the interview, as I was about to leave, Satish Kaushik, slightly hesitant, asked, "Does Mayapuri only publish interviews of Anil? I am also an actor, you know." We both burst into laughter.

I asked him if Bollywood was treating him well. He seemed a little pensive and replied, "Bollywood is not what I had imagined. Back in the National School of Drama, I believed that actors like me were much needed here. I thought I would get powerful roles, like Om Puri, Anupam Kher, and Naseeruddin Shah. But that dream has not yet come true. I am getting plenty of comedy roles, but I crave serious performances. If I get films like Saaransh, the audience will witness another side of my acting."

After a pause, he added, "But to be honest, comedy is no easy feat. Only those who have faced life's toughest challenges can truly excel in comedy. It requires a deep understanding of life, perfect timing, and an exceptional command of language. I can do comedy with ease because I come from a small town where we laughed through life's hardships."

As our conversation ended, I prepared to leave, and he mentioned, "I should head out too, I have a terrible toothache and need to see a dentist." During that time, finding a vehicle outside Filmalaya Studio was quite difficult. We both struggled to hail a rickshaw. I managed to stop one and insisted that he take it for his dentist visit while I would find another.

But he said, "Let's both take this one. You can get off at Andheri Station, and I'll turn the rickshaw from there."

Years passed after that meeting. He went on to become a successful actor and director. When I met him again one day, I asked, "Did your dreams come true?"

He laughed and said, "Dreams remain dreams, but I have played so many roles that I have sometimes forgotten who I really am—whether I am Calendar, Muthuswami, Sharafat Ali, Pappu Pager, or Ramlal. The audience has given me as much love as a lead hero receives. There was a time when actors like Mehmood, Johnny Walker, and Bhagwan Dada were adored immensely, and their stature was equal to that of heroes. Even today, comedy remains an essential part of cinema. The only difference is that now, lead actors do comedy, yet they are never labeled as comedians. This has reduced work opportunities for dedicated comic actors."

Speaking about his journey as a director, he expressed satisfaction, "I have directed 20 films, and through them, I have quenched the thirst of the versatile actor within me. To be honest, I always had a desire to direct, ever since I watched Guide. That film planted a dream in my eyes. Coming from a non-film background, I had restrictions on watching movies. I used to watch them secretly. One of those was Guide, which not only inspired me to enter Bollywood but also nurtured my dream of becoming a director. Of course, when my family found out, I got a good scolding. But today, as a successful actor and director, I feel it was all worth it."

As he laughed, I asked if he had gained a better understanding of life over the years. While walking away, he replied, "I have realized that nothing is more important than health. Dev Anand was very conscious about his health. My dear friends Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, and Akshay Kumar also take their fitness very seriously. I have now started paying attention to my health too. I don’t have any major issues, but I need to shed some extra weight. Hopefully, in our next meeting, you will see my slim and trim picture in Mayapuri."

That was my last meeting with Satish Kaushik. His laughter still echoes in my ears. As his close friend Anupam Kher said, "We all know that one day, we have to leave this world. But never did I imagine that Satish would leave us so soon and so suddenly." That is exactly how we all feel.

Satish Kaushik, whose full name was Satish Chandra Kaushik, was an actor, director, and producer who made a significant mark in the Indian film industry for over three decades. He started his career as an assistant director in K. Balachander’s 1983 blockbuster Ek Duuje Ke Liye and soon made his acting debut in Subhash Ghai’s Karma (1986).

Over the years, he delivered numerous commercially successful films, including Mr. India, Deewana Mastana, Tere Naam, Karzz, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Badhaai Ho Badhaai, Ram Lakhan, Sajan Chale Sasural, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Brick Lane, Scam, Chhalaang, The Comedian, Mrs. & Mr. Khurana, Thar, Avval, Karm Yuddh, Country Mafia, Kaagaz, The Last Show, and the TV series Bloody Brothers, Sharmaji Namkeen, Guilty Minds, and Chhatriwali.

His last film was Kangana Ranaut's Emergency, but sadly, he will never get to see it himself.

Satish Kaushik was known for his jovial and lively nature. He always loved celebrating Holi with enthusiasm. Just a day before his passing, he played Holi with renowned writer Javed Akhtar and enjoyed himself to the fullest. The next day, he left for Delhi to visit his relatives, informing everyone that he didn’t have much time and that they should all meet him together.

Who knew that he truly had little time left? The colors of Holi had barely faded from his body when he bid farewell to all the colors of life. His last rites were performed near his home in Versova, attended by numerous friends and admirers. With Satish’s departure, Bollywood’s vibrant world of comedy lost one of its brightest stars.

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