A sad day for Indian cinema dawns as beloved actor, director and screenwriter Satish Kaushik passes away.
Picture source: Facebook: Timeless Indian Melodies
In history, he has gone down for his iconic role ‘Calendar’ in the cult classic Mr India (1987).
But few know how his illustrious journey began with a train journey to Mumbai when he was 22.
Having graduated from the National School of Drama in Delhi, Kaushik had big dreams, but not much money.
Through interviews in his four-decade career, he spoke of how he started his life in the city of dreams with a loan of Rs 800.
He held his friends close. The mix included the likes of Anupam Kher, Karan Razdan, Anang Desai, and Suhas Khandke.
With his directorial debut with Sridevi’s Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993), Kaushik went on to great heights — not just as a director, but also as an actor.
Among his stellar performances are that of his role as Chanda Mama in Mr & Mrs Khiladi (1997), Muthu Swamy in Saajan Chale Sasural (1996) and Pappu Pager in Deewana Mastana (1997).
His dialogue “Hamara father North Indian, hamara mother South Indian, isiliye hum complete Indian” in Saajan Chale Sasural went on to have a cult following.
His comic timing was incomparable, as he created light-hearted moments both on and off screen, ensuring he was always surrounded by friends and people who loved him.
As the Indian cinema and fans alike bid a tearful adieu to Kaushik, words fall short to convey the place he created in people’s hearts.
Javed Akhtar fondly remembered Kaushik as “a man full of warmth, love and humour” and a “brother [for] almost forty years”.
Anupam Kher’s sentimental post shared, “Life will NEVER be the same without you.”