Indian film and cricket fraternity mourned the demise of actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik on Thursday, expressing condolences and remembering the 66-year-old’s contribution to cinema.
Condolence messages poured in on social media soon after actor Anupam Kher broke the news of Kaushik’s death on Twitter. He reportedly died of a cardiac arrest in New Delhi on Wednesday.
“Can’t believe you are gone. Thank you for being a kind and generous co actor, thank you for being a silent teacher. You will be missed, your legacy will live on in our hearts,” actor Riteish Deshmukh wrote on Twitter, remembering Kaushik’s hearty laugh.
Kaushik was born on 13 April 1956 in Haryana. He graduated from Kirori Mal College in Delhi in 1972 and was also an alumnus of National School of Drama, New Delhi and Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. In his career spanning four decades, he wore many hats including that of a director, producer, actor and screenwriter.
Actor Manoj Joshi said Kaushik will be remembered for “his versatile performances across different mediums.”
Abhishek Bachchan remembered Kaushik as the “most gentle, kind and loving person. Always happy and smiling.”
“Today, we've lost one of the finest of the film industry,” actor Suneil Shetty tweeted.
Sanjay Dutt sent his love and prayers to Kaushik’s family and loved ones.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui described Kaushik as a “wonderful actor with perfect comic timing”.
Actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar remembered his “NSD buddy” in a heartwarming tweet.
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh also expressed his condolences on the veteran actor’s passing. “He was a performer par-excellence who never failed to bring a smile to the viewers,” he said.
Former captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team Mithali Raj said Kaushik “always brought a smile on our faces with his presence on the screen.”
Actress Tannishtha Chatterjee tweeted that she will remember Kaushik’s warmth and humour.
Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik was “devastated” at the sudden demise of the actor. “Satish Ji was like a best friend to me,” he wrote on Twitter.
Bigg Boss 16 contestant Soundarya Sharma was in shock at the news of Kaushik’s passing away. She said she met the actor two days ago.
Singer Sophie Choudry described Kaushik as “kind and warm”.
Kaushik is remembered for writing the dialogues for Kundan Shah's classic satirical comedy Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron (1983). He received accolades for essaying the role of Calendar in Shekar Kapur’s Mr India (1989) and Pappu Pager in David Dhawan-directed comedy Deewana Mastana (1997).
His first film, as a director, was the Sridevi and Anil Kapoor-starrer Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993). In 2007, Kaushik and Anupam Kher started a film company called Karol Bagh Productions. Their first film, Teree Sang, was directed by Kaushik.
Kaushik has also served as the chairman of Haryana Film Promotion Board and vice-president of FTII Society.
