Satish Kaushik (1956-2023) was an Indian actor, director, scriptwriter, and producer. He is well known for starring in various Bollywood films like Mr. India (1987), Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001), and Tere Naam (2003). On 9 March 2023, he breathed his last in Gurugram, Haryana after a cardiac arrest.
Wiki/Biography
Satish Chandra Kaushik was born on Friday, 13 April 1956 (age 66 years; at the time of death) in Dhanounda, Mahendragarh, Punjab (now in Haryana), India. His zodiac sign is Aries. After completing his schooling at a municipal school in his hometown, Satish enrolled at Kirori Mal College in Delhi, where he completed his graduation in 1972. While talking about his college days, he said that he got involved with Players, a theatrical society of the Kirori Mal College, and began representing his college at various events. He further said that he started skipping classes because he was busy with the theatrical group. As a member of the Players, he won the Best Actor Award for the play Teen Apahij.
Satish Kaushik holding the shield that he received for the play Teen Apahij
Thereafter, he pursued an acting course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Maharashtra. In 1978, he completed a course in acting at the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. Anupam Kher was his batch mate.
Satish Kaushik’s photo taken when he was in NSD
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 6″
Hair Colour: Bald
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Family
Satish Kaushik was born into a Hindu Brahmin family.
Parents & Siblings
His father, Banwari Lal Kaushik, was an accountant in Delhi. His mother’s name is Basanti Kaushik. He has two elder brothers named Brahma Prakash and Ashok Kaushik, and three sisters named Saraswati Devi, Shakuntala Devi, and Savita Devi.
Wife & Children
His wife, Shashi Kaushik, is a filmmaker. They got married on 12 May 1985. His daughter’s name is Vanshika Kaushik. She was born through a surrogate mother.
Satish with his wife and daughter
Satish and Shashi had a son named Shanu Kaushik. He died at the age of 2 in 1996. In an interview, when asked how has his life changed after the passing of his son, Satish said,
I have become much more homely now. Pehle main apne mein hi ramta rehta tha. 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.”
Other relatives
His nephew, Nishant Kaushik, is a filmmaker. His paternal uncles’ name is Govardhan Kaushik.
Satish Kaushik standing next to his nephew Nishant Kaushik
Religion
Satish Kaushik follows Hinduism.
Satish Kaushik’s Instagram post
Signature/Autograph
Satish Kaushik’s autograph
Career
Actor
Satish Kaushik made his acting debut with a 1981 Bollywood film titled Chakra in which he played the role of a boot polisher.
In the 1983 film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, he played the role of a character named Ashok Namboodirippad; he also worked as an assistant director and scriptwriter in the film. In the same year, he acted in Masoom as a character named Tiwari. Satish played Khajju Haryanvi’s role in the 1984 film Ab Ayega Mazaa. In the same year, he worked along with famous actors like Om Puri and Anupam Kher in the film Sheeshay Ka Ghar. He played the role of a sub-inspector named Ramu Ghadiali in the 1987 film Jalwa. In the film, he worked along with renowned actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Archana Puran Singh.
Satish Kaushik and Amitabh Bachchan in a still from the film Jalwa
In the same year, he played the famous role of Calendar in Mr. India.
Satish Kaushik as Calendar in Mr. India
In 1989, he landed the role of Kashiram and worked with Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff in the film Ram Lakhan. In the same year, he acted in several films including Prem Pratigyaa as Charan, Aag Se Khelenge as Inspector Pardesi, and Guru Dakshina. In the 1990 film Swarg, he played the role of a character named Airport. In the same year, he played the role of Bankhe Bihari Chaturvedi aka BBC in the film Jamai Raja. He played the role of Noni Singh on Zee TV’s record chart show Philips Top 10 which was aired from 1994 to 1999; he also wrote the script for the show. In 1994, he played the role of Panipuri Sharma in Andaz. He landed the role of Mutthu Swamy in the 1996 film Saajan Chale Sasural.
Satish Kaushik (extreme left) with the cast and crew of Sajan Chale Sasural
In 1997, he worked along with Akshay Kumar, Juhi Chawla, and Paresh Rawal in Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi Khiladi in which he played the role of Chanda Mama. In the same year, he played the role of a character named Pappu Pager in the film Deewana Mastana. In 1998, he played the role of Jumbo in Gharwali Baharwali. In the same year, he essayed the role of a character named Sharafat Ali in the film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in which Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda were the lead cast.
Satish Kaushik as Sharafat Ali in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
He played the role of Harpal ‘Happy’ Singh in the 1998 film Pardesi Babu for which he won an award. In 2000, he landed a role in Hadh Kar Di Aapne. He landed the role of Mr. Nanda in a 2008 short film titled Migration. In the 2008 film God Tussi Great Ho, Satish played the role of a Chief Minister named Bholaram Sachha. In 2009, he acted in films like Do Knot Disturb and Teree Sang: A Kidult Love Story. He worked with Paresh Rawal and Ajay Devgn in the 2010 film “Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?” In 2011, he landed the role of Bata Bhai in Double Dhamaal.
Satish Kaushik in the film Double Dhamaal
He played the role of Choudhry in the 2015 comedy film Jai Ho! Democracy. He played the role of Jasbir Walia in the 2015 StarPlus sitcom Sumit Sambhal Lega. In the 2015 film Udta Punjab, Satish Kaushik played the role of Tayaji. In the same year, he played the role of Nawaab Jung Bahadur in The Great Indian Family Drama, a comedy show aired on SAB TV. In 2018, he played the role of a character named Gopi Bhalla in the film Veerey Ki Wedding. In the same year, he landed the role of Diljit Dosanjh’s father in the film Soorma. In 2019, he played the role of a character named Jaidev Choudhary in the Haryanvi film Chhoriyan Chhoron Se Kam Nahi Hoti; he also co-produced the film. He was later awarded National Award for the film. He landed the role of Bhokelal Mupe Chatora in the 2020 film Baaghi 3. He landed the role of Manu Mundra for four episodes in the 2020 SonyLIV web series Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story. Satish Kaushik not only acted in but also directed the 2021 film Kaagaz. The film was released on ZEE5. In 2022, he acted in several films and web series including Thar as a policeman, Awwal, Karam Yudh as Bhisham Roy, and Country Mafia.
Satish Kaushik with Anil Kapoor in a still from the film Thar
He landed the role of Ratan Lamba in Chhatriwali, a 2023 ZEE5 film. Thereafter, he was signed for the role of a politician named Jagjivan Ram for the film Emergency; however, Satish Kaushik died before the completion of the film.
Director
Satish Kaushik made his directorial debut in 1993 with the Hindi film Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, which failed to perform well at the box office. The film had Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Johnny Lever, and Anupam Kher in its cast.
In 1995, he directed Prem, which was a box office disaster. In 1999, he directed Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain, which was a box office hit. He directed the 2000 romantic action drama film Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. In 2002, he directed Badhaai Ho Badhaai. He worked with Salman Khan in the 2003 film Tere Naam. It was rumoured that Salman Khan slapped Satish Kaushik during the shooting of the film; however, Satish trashed the claims as baseless. In 2020, he not only directed but also acted in a music video titled When Life Gives U A Banana.
Producer
Apart from acting and directing, Satish Kaushik has produced many films and dramas including A Billion Colour Story, School Chalega..!, and The Last Show.
Production companies
On 03 February 2007, Satish Kaushik and Anupam Kher started their production house called Karolbagh Films & Entertainment Pvt and produced their first film, Teree Sang, in 2009. Later, the company was closed as the duo parted ways due to constant disagreements among them. In an interview, while talking about the closing of the production company, a close aide of Satish and Anupam said,
Though there were major plans for the production house, what with other major corporate houses expressing interest in tying up with them for many more films in years to follow, somehow things didn’t quite materialize. As partners, it wasn’t really working out for Kher saab and Satishji. They felt that it was best for them to stay on as friends instead of bringing a production house between which was turning out to more of a problem than a solution.”
He became Delhi Film Council’s director on 03 December 2009. On 21 February 2011, he became the director of Uv News Media & Communication Limited. On 26 June 2020, he became the director of Avees Script Studio Llp. On 26 November 2021, Satish Kaushik co-founded The Satish Kaushik Entertainment Llp with his nephew Nishant Kaushik.
Controversies
Chandigarh Film City Scam
In 2007, Parsvnath Developers and its partner Satish Kaushik leased a 30-acre land in Sarangpur village, Chandigarh from the Chandigarh administration for constructing a multimedia-cum-film city worth Rs. 800 crores. After the media exposed financial fraud in the leasing of the land, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) conducted an inquiry into the matter and revealed that while the actual cost of the land was Rs. 1200 crores, it was leased to Kaushik and the Parsvnath Developers at a throwaway price of Rs. 191 crores. After the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the CVC, the Chandigarh administration cancelled the deal, citing irregularity in the payment of the amount. Later, a case was filed against Kaushik; however, he was acquitted after no conclusive evidence was found against him. In an interview, while talking about it, he said,
I had given a detailed presentation on the basic concept of the project and was a creative partner with Parsvnath. I have now come to know that Parsvnath has decided to opt out of the project and UT administration is strongly considering allowing it. But I am being kept out of the loop and neither of the two parties have cared to inform me.”
Accused of hurting the sentiments of Dalits
In May 2021, Lal Bihari Mritak, a farmer on whom Satish Kaushik’s film Kaagaz was based, accused Satish and his co-producer Salman Khan of fraud. According to his allegations, Satish had not only changed the title of the film but also changed Lal Bihari’s name in the film without his consent. He also accused Satish of not narrating the script of the film before producing it. He further added that the film has hurt the sentiments of the Dalits by using indecent language against them. Talking about it, Lal Bihari said,
Impressed by my life and story, Kaushik along with scriptwriter Imtiaz Hussain met me in 2003. After a long conversation, I gave them my consent for making the film on my life. He said Kaushik did not keep his promise of narrating the movie script before filming it. Mritak added Kaushik promised to call the film Main Zinda Hu. But he titled the movie Kaagaz. Kaushik did not take my permission to change the title.”
After the allegations, a special Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act court instructed the Uttar Pradesh police to submit a report on the allegations against Kaushik and Salman Khan.
Awards & Honour
- He won the Filmfare Award for Best Comic Actor for the film Ram Lakhan in 1990.
- Under the Best Comic Actor category, Satish Kaushik received the Filmfare Award in 1997 for the film Saajan Chale Sasural.
- In 1999, Satish Kaushik won the Bollywood Movie Award under the Best Comic Actor category for the film Pardesi Babu.
- He received the Screen Videocon Award for Philips Top Ten for co-writing and anchoring the show.
- In 2021, for producing the Haryanvi film Chhoriyan Chhoron Se Kam Nahi Hoti, Satish received the National Award under the Best Film category.
Satish Kaushik receiving the National Film Award from Vice President Venkaiah Naidu
- In 2022, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film Kaagaz.
Satish posing for a photograph with his Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- In the same year, he won the Jury Award for the film Thar under Best Supporting Actor in an Original Film category at the OTTplay Awards.
A photo of Satish Kaushik holding the OTTplay Award
- In March 2022, the Saudi government honoured him with a Golden visa UAE.
Satish Kaushik holding his Golden visa UAE
- In January 2023, he received Star Dust Award for Sustained Excellence in Cinema.
Satish Kaushik holding his Star Dust Award
Car Collection
- MG Hector.
Satish Kaushik walking in front of his MG Hector
- Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.
Net Worth
In 2023, Satish Kaushik’s net worth was reported to be around Rs. 50 crores. However, some sources claim his net worth to be around Rs. 120 crores.
Death
At 1 am on 9 March 2023, Satish Kaushik was declared dead upon arrival by the doctors at the Fortis Hospital in Gurugram. According to Anupam Kher, Satish was visiting a family friend in New Delhi for Holi when he began complaining about severe chest pains and uneasiness at night. While he was being taken to the Fortis Hospital in a car, he suffered a cardiac arrest that led to his death. Talking about it, actor Anupam Kher said,
He felt uneasy and he told driver to take him to the hospital and on the way he suffered a heart attack around 1 am.”
In an interview, his manager, Santosh Rai, talked about Satish Kaushik’s last words and said that after putting his (Satish Kaushik) head on his shoulder, Kaushik said that he didn’t want to die. According to Santosh, Kaushik said,
Santosh main marna nahin chahta, mujhe bacha lo’” (I don’t want to die, please save me).”
Foul play
Following his death, Vikas Malu’s second wife, Saanvi Malu, came out in the media and alleged that her husband was responsible for Satish Kaushik’s death as he was hesitant about returning Rs 15 crores that he has borrowed from Satish Kaushik. Vikas Malu is the owner of the farmhouse, where Satish Kaushik attended a party a day before his death. In a complaint addressed to the Delhi Police commissioner, Saanvi Malu said,
I was present in the drawing room where both Kaushik and my husband got involved in an argument… My husband promised Kaushik that he would repay the money soon. When I asked my husband, he claimed that he lost Kaushik’s money during the Covid pandemic. My husband also said that he was planning to get rid of Kaushik.”
Following her allegations, the Delhi police released a statement and said that the matter will be investigated through an inquiry to find any foul play in Satish Kaushik’s death.
Favourites
- Director(s): Robert De Niro, Abhishek Chaubey
- Film(s): Upkar (1967), Mughal-E-Azam (1960), Madhumati (1958)
- TV Show(s): Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasaya, Ek Kahani, Razia Sultan, Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev
Facts/Trivia
- Apart from acting in films, Satish Kaushik has been a part of several plays. His most notable role was that of a character named Willy Loman in the play Salesman Ramlal, which was an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman. In an interview, Arvind Gaur, a theatre director, said,
I have seen many versions of the play. But whenever I think of Death of a Salesman, Satish Kaushik’s performance is the first thing that comes to mind. He lived the character and made it his own.”
Satish Kaushik (standing extreme left) during a play with Anupam Kher
- While giving an interview, Satish Kaushik said that he received Rs. 500 as payment for acting in the 1981 film Chakra. He further said that he celebrated it by purchasing two bottles of Coca-Cola. Talking about it, he said,
I went to the station and wanted to take the fast train. So, I jumped the track to go to the other side. Trains came from both the sides and people started shouting ‘marega, kya kar raha hai?’ But they did not know the level of my excitement. After I got off the track, I bought two bottles of cold drink. That’s how the journey of an actor is going to start, or maybe end.”
- Satish Kaushik worked as the director of the Haryana Arts Council, chairman of the Haryana Film Promotion Board, and vice president of the FTII society.
- According to Neena Gupta’s book Sach Kahun Toh: An Autobiography, Satish Kaushik asked her to get married to him as she was pregnant with her daughter Masaba as he wanted to support her. She, however, rejected the proposal. In her book, she wrote,
Don’t worry, if the child is born with dark skin, you can just say it’s mine and we’ll get married. Nobody will suspect a thing.”
- Satish Kaushik consumed alcoholic beverages occasionally.
Satish Kaushik’s post uploaded by him on Instagram
- Satish, in an interview, said that he used to smoke; however, he left it after Veeru Devgan persuaded him to quit smoking.
- In April 2018, Satish tweeted about completing 25 years of his first directed film Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja and apologized to Boney Kapoor, the producer of the film, who went bankrupt after the release of the film as it could not perform well on the screens.
A snippet of Satish Kaushik’s tweet
- In 2021, Satish Kaushik was featured on the cover of Reverie, a fashion magazine.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education