On March 9, 2023, Satish Kaushik passed away at the age of 66, and we take a look back at the time when he lost his 2-year-old son, Shanu and how he became a father for a second time at 56.
The heartbreaking unpredictability of life has once again taught us the important lesson of valuing people and things when they exist. On March 9, 2023, one of the iconic actors of the Hindi film industry, Satish Kaushik, who has made millions smile with his terrific comic timing and memorable performances in so many films passed away. The actor was born on April 13, 1956, in Haryana’s Mahendragarh but spent most of his childhood and teenage in Delhi. Satish Kaushik used to study in Delhi Univeristy’s Kirori Mal College and is also an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
The iconic actor made his acting debut in Shekhar Kapoor’s film, Masoom. Some of Satish Kaushik’s most memorable films are Mr India, Deewana Mastana, Ram Lakhan, Saajan Chale Sasural, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, and the list goes on. Apart from being an outstanding actor, Satish also tried his hands at filmmaking. As a director, some of his most famous films are the likes of Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, Badhaai Ho Badhaai, Tere Naam, Darna Zaroori Hai, Dhol, Kaagaz and the list goes on.
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On March 8, 2023, Satish Kaushik attended Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi’s Holi party in Mumbai. The actor clicked pictures and selfies with so many stars at the party and looked joyous as ever. The actor can be seen donning a peach-hued T-shirt and cool sunglasses. From posing with Javed Akhtar, Mahima Chaudhry, Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha, and many more for selfies and photographs, Satish enjoyed the festival of colours to the fullest. The actor also shared some pictures from the same on his Instagram handle. Along with the pictures, he penned a note, and it can be read as:
"Colourful Happy Fun Holi party at Janki Kutir Juhu by @jaduakhtar @babaazmi @azmishabana18 @tanviazmiofficial .. met the newly wed beautiful couple @alifazal9 @therichachadha @mahimachaudhry1 wishing Happy Holi to everyone #friendship #festival # colours #swipe left."
Satish Kaushik’s pictures from the Holi celebration at Javed Akhtar-Shabana Azmi’s party were still doing rounds on social media when the news of his demise broke on social media. The actor died due to a heart attack on his way to the hospital. His close friend, Anupam Kher, announced the news of his untimely demise with a heavy heart. The iconic actor took to his Instagram handle and posted a monochrome picture with his best buddy, Satish Kaushik. Along with the picture, Anupam Kher penned an emotional note, and it can be read as:
"I know that death is the ultimate truth of this world! But I had not thought even in my wildest dreams that I would write this thing about my best friend someday. Such a sudden full stop to a friendship of 45 years!! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH!"
It was in 1985 when Satish Kaushik got married to Shashi Kaushik. The couple lived a low-key life since the beginning of their married life. Despite being married to such an incredible actor, who has a massive stature in the film industry both as an actor and as a filmmaker, Shashi Kaushik rarely made public appearances at award functions or events. However, in many of his interviews, Satish Kaushik had also talked highly of his wife for always having his back.
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After nine years of their marriage, Satish Kaushik and Shashi Kaushik welcomed a baby boy in their lives, whom they named Shanu Kaushik. But, unfortunately, just when Satish and Shashi were enjoying the experience of being parents for the first time, destiny put a massive tragedy in front of them. In 1996, the couple’s 2-year-old son passed away. Although the reasons behind his demise at such a young age are still unknown, it was truly a heartbreaking phase for Satish and Shashi.
Once in an interview with the Lucknow Times, Satish Kaushik opened up about his son, Shanu Kaushik's demise and revealed how he couldn't get the time to even mourn for his loss. The actor shared how he was at the peak of his career in the Hindi film industry when that tragedy happened and explained how he could not process it because of work pressure. However, he stated that after the birth of his daughter, he had changed a lot. The actor shared how he had stopped attending parties and became calmer. Opening up about the same, Satish Kaushik had said:
"I avoid going to parties now, I have become calmer. I even control my diet and drinking because of her. I had lost my son 20 years back, when I was at the peak of my career. I couldn’t really get time to even feel that loss. I used to be continuously busy with work and this would make me feel guilty: I didn’t even have the time to mourn my son’s death. But ab Vanshika ke aane se sab baraabar ho gaya. All the unsettled emotions are somewhere settled with Vanshika’s arrival."
After their son’s demise, Satish Kaushik and his wife, Shashi Kaushik got completely blank in their lives, as it was heartbreaking for them to deal with the reality that their firstborn child was no longer with them. However, after years of mourning, Satish and Shashi decided to opt for surrogacy for their second child. The process turned out to be a success for the couple, and they were blessed with a baby girl in 2012. The couple chose the name, Vanshika for their daughter.
Just like every father in the world, Satish Kaushik was extremely close to his daughter, Vanshika and time and again used to share pictures with her on his social media handles. No wonder it will be extremely hard for Vanshika and her mother, Shashi, to deal with the biggest loss of their lives. No amount of mourning can ever heal the pain that they will experience for the rest of their lives. However, we wish God would give them the courage to face this harsh reality.
No matter what, Satish Kaushik will always be remembered for his comic timing, sense of filmmaking and the humble and happy person he was in real life.
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