We all woke up to the terrible news of Satish Kaushik having passed away this morning at the bare age of 66. The veteran actor had been one of the most charming personalities in the film industry and people used to love him for not just his funny antics, but also his big heart.
Satish Kaushik’s character ‘Calendar’ from ‘Mr India’ has been iconic, and people use the phrase ‘Calendar Khana Do’ even today at every dinner table. No one could have played that character better than him. Not just that, he gave the world many more such characters which will remain iconic in people’s minds for generations to come.
Talking to Prateek Sur, some of your favourite celebs speak up about the loss of Satish Kaushik. Many have worked with him, who share their memories of him, and many open up about how terrible a loss this is to cinema in India. Excerpts from the conversation.
Sheeba Akashdeep Sabir
He was a fine actor and a wonderful human who was very happy and full of life. Some of my favourite films of his are ‘Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi’, ‘Deewana Mastana’ and his last one ‘Chhatriwali’. A very unfortunate loss to the film industry. May his soul rest in peace. Prayers for his family.
Hansa Singh
Woke up to this shocking news today that Satish Ji is no more. Satish ji was the first person who saw the potential in me and offered me ‘Mujhe Chand Chahiye’. This was when I just came to Mumbai in 1997 and was meeting for work. At that time he had a production house along with Raja Bundela and Raju Manwani. For me, it was a big ticket show to enter a fictional zone. He was jovial, caring, and a good guide. He told me to always wear a saree when going to meet for work. It’s shocking. My condolences to his family and prayers for his departed soul. Thank you, Satish Ji for giving confidence and guidance to a newcomer like me.
Adaa Khan
It’s really sad news. Yes, I had an opportunity to host with him ‘The Great Indian Family Drama’ on SAB TV. A great person to work with. He was very supportive and jolly. I remember ‘Mr. India’ and the song, ‘Mera Naam Hai Calendar’.
Puneet Dixit
I'm shocked to know about Satish Kaushik. I saw his picture on social media and he celebrated Holi with full energy. Life is so unpredictable. I am a fan of his films and his comedy timing and I have worked with him in ‘Country Mafia’. We lost a great director, producer, writer and actor today. Thank you, Satish Ji for making us laugh.
Ekta Sharma
I feel so bad and sad to hear this. I have never met him but I remember his most memorable character Calendar in ‘Mr India’. May his soul rest in peace.
Balraj Syal
It’s a very sad day to wake up with a piece of news like this. May he rest in peace. He was an institution in himself. A writer, director, actor and an amazing entertainer. I met him months ago while we were supposed to shoot for a SAB TV show. I had just started my career at that time and was trying to find my feet in the industry. Satish Ji was so humble to us. One of the best childhood memories that everyone has of my generation is having our own superhero in a film like ‘Mr India’ as the film isn’t complete without Calendar and it is the darkest day in our calendar today. The real Calendar is gone and has left everyone hungry to see his work as he won’t be seen now and it’s very sad.
Sudhanshu Pandey
My heart really breaks today while saying this. He was one of the most humble, happy and always smiling legendary actors whom I met many years ago. In fact, my first memory of Satish Ji is from Anupam Kher and Kiran Kher’s house one night when we had gone there for dinner and Satish Ji was there too. You must know that there is one more senior actor Mr Anang Desai who was Satish Ji and Anupam Kher’s classmate and they were narrating stories of their times together when they were studying. The whole night we were rolling on the floor listening to the stories from Satish Ji and Anupam Ji and that’s my first incredible memory. Satish Ji had a great sense of humour and was the most versatile actor. He played such crazily different roles and fit into every character beautifully. It breaks my heart to learn that he has gone forever. May Mahakaal bless his soul and may he rest in peace. We have lost a fabulous actor today.
Mitaali Nag
Woke to such unpleasant news of Satish Ji’s demise. He has been such an amazing actor. While growing up he was a Calendar from ‘Mr. India’ for me. I loved him as Pappu Pager. But it’s just not comedy that he excelled in. I recently saw him in the web series ‘Karma Yuddh’ where he played a grey character so subtly. Not just an actor, he was also a fine director. I have had a chance to interact with him as I was shortlisted for his Haryanvi movie ‘Chhoriyaan Chhoro Se Kam Nahi Hoti’. He was such a humble human being. It meant a lot to me when he recognised me as Afsar Bitiya and appreciated my work. I pray for his soul. Om Shanti.
Rishina Kandhari
Our kids go to the same school. I have exchanged pleasantries with him during school and social events. A genius and a genuinely good human, he was. I’ve seen ‘Mr. India’ and many more of his movies. His and Govinda ji's comedy jodi was a hit in their time. His one-liners are epic. They crack up in any serious situation ‘Hum bahut bade sangeetkar kalakar par aaj kal bekaar’ is funny yet hits the chord of a reality check with celebrities out of work. ‘Oye guess kar chavanni dunga’ is used in funny common talks. So many funny one-liners he has given which people use in aam zindagi. In fact, Calendar khana do is still our favourite dialogue passed through generations. May the divine soul attain sadgati. Om Shanti.
Nikkhil Arya
I think it would naturally be ‘Mr. India’ because it was almost like a cult film as I was growing up and the character portrayed by Satishji ‘Calendar’ will remain etched in my memory. He was a good director but more than that I really think he was a rather underrated actor and very good at that.
Charrul Malik
It's heartbreaking news. He was one of my favourite actors and an evergreen actor. His film ‘Mr. India’ where he played the role of Calendar and his character Pappu Pager are so unique and unforgettable. These characters will always be in our hearts. I got a chance to meet him at an award function two years back and we exchanged hello. He recognised me as a news vali. Though it was a short meeting, he was just so grounded to earth. I don't have words. He played such amazing roles. He just played Holi and it is unbelievable that he is no more. We will miss him.
Simaran Kaur
I can’t believe it. It’s shocking. Satish Ji was such a warm and humble human being and did such interesting roles. Today Bollywood loses another gem. He has given us numerous unforgettable characters to remember, like Calendar, Pappu Pager, and many others. My prayers are with his soul and my deepest condolences to his family. We will miss you, sir. May his soul rest in peace.
Hitanshu Jinsi
It's heartbreaking news that Satish Ji is no more. I have grown up watching his films. He was an institution and a legendary actor. ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, ‘Raja Ji’ and a lot more. I have always enjoyed watching him on screen. I never had an opportunity to meet him in person. My prayers are with his family. Bhagwan unki aatma ko moksh pradaan kare. Om Shanti.
