Satish Shah Proposed To Madhu Thrice, Got Kidney Transplant For Her, Decided To Not Have Children

Satish Shah’s sudden death left a deep void in his fans and loved ones. The man with a humble heart is remembered for his childlike nature and for being a prankster among his friends. Satish started his acting journey in the 1970s and gradually became a household name. Over the years, he appeared in TV shows like Ghar Jamai, Filmy Chakkar, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.

Hr played the role of Municipal Commissioner, ‘D’Mello’ in the cult classic, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, followed by films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Main Hoon Na, Fanaa, Om Shanti Om, and more. Just like his non-complicated characters on screen, Satish led a simple off-screen life too. The actor had been married to his soulmate, Madhu Shah, for 50 years and was head over heels in love with her.

Satish Shah proposed to Madhu thrice

Satish Shah was studying in Xavier’s College when he thought of taking acting seriously and got into FTII. It was during the SIPTA Film Festival that Satish met Madhu for the first time and fell instantly in love with her. He proposed to her, and she rejected his proposal. Later, Dilip Dhawan offered him a small role in his movie, Saath Saath, and he agreed to do it. 

The shooting of Saath Saath was scheduled to take place at SNDT College, Juhu, where Madhu studied. The actor tried his luck again and proposed to Madhu, who once again rejected him. Despite being rejected twice, Satish didn’t budge and kept pursuing her. However, when he proposed to Madhu for the third time, she asked him to talk to her parents.

Satish Shah won over Madhu’s parents

Satish Shah was sure from the beginning that Madhu was the one for him. However, convincing her parents wasn’t an easy task, as love marriage was an alien concept during that time. Not just this, Satish’s career in the entertainment world was also not considered an ideal job. However, since Satish was certain that he wanted to marry Madhu, he convinced her parents.

Satish Shah and Madhu Shah decided not to have kids

Within just a month of convincing her parents, Satish Shah got engaged to Madhu, and in 1972, the duo tied the knot. Satish often tagged Madhu as his ‘lucky charm’ as it was only after marrying her, he got the immense fame. On the other hand, Madhu worked as a fashion designer and chose to live away from the limelight. Satish and Madhu were married for 50 years and decided not to have children as they had dedicated their lives to each other.

Satish Shah got a kidney transplant to take care of his ailing wife, Madhu Shah

Satish Shah was having kidney-related issues and was on dialysis. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2025 to extend his life for his wife. For the unversed, Satish’s wife, Madhu, has been suffering from Alzheimer’s, and to take care of her, the veteran actor underwent a transplant. Not just this, Satish also underwent a successful bypass surgery earlier.

Satish Shah’s final moments before his death

Satish Shah’s manager, Ramesh Kadatala, revealed details of his final moments in an interaction with the ANI. He revealed that Satish Shah was having lunch at 2 or 2:45 pm. He collapsed after taking the first bite of the food. The ambulance took half an hour to reach them. After reaching the hospital, the doctor declared him dead.

Two hours before his death, the veteran actor spoke to Ratna Pathak Shah, who played his on-screen wife in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. He also spoke to Aatish Kapadia at 11 in the morning on October 25, 2025. Director, JD Majethia revealed that Satish Shah had spoken to everyone on the phone and told them he was feeling well. It looks as if he had a hint that it was the last few moments of his life.

Satish Shah and Madhu Shah had been each other’s pillars of strength throughout the 50 years of their married life. And now, she is left alone with only memories of her late husband.

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