The legendary actor-writer-filmmaker passed away in 2023 at the age of 66, due to a heart attack.
Satish Kaushik's final cinematic venture, 'Mirg', directed by Tarun Sharma, is currently running at the theatres, making it the last opportunity for the audiences to see the legendary actor on the big screen. Well, the much-awaited film absolutely lived up to our expectations and garnered enormous positive reviews from the critics. So, if you haven't yet watched the film, book your tickets asap and catch it at your nearest theatre.
"Despite having been involved in numerous films, Satish Kaushik Sir still had much to offer to the world of cinema. This includes taking on action-comedy roles that had not been explored before, a facet of his talent that audiences will witness in 'Mirg'," said Tarun Sharma, the director of 'Mirg', in one of his interviews.
'Mirg' is a captivating tale of revenge and mystery, and Satish Kaushik's performance adds another layer of emotional weight to the film. The film is another example that although Kaushik was best known as a 'comic actor', his brilliance went beyond his comic timing, and he could portray almost all kinds of characters with conviction. The actor is no more with us today, and while the loss is irreplaceable, we celebrate his legacy by sharing a lesser-known fact about him.
Satish Kaushik Once Used To Work At A Textile Mill In Mumbai For Rs 400 Per Month
Satish Kaushik came to Mumbai from Delhi in 1979 to become an actor, however, little did he know about the struggles and hardships that were awaiting him along the way.
He worked at a textile mill as a cashier for about a year for Rs 400 per month. As he later shared in an interview, "It was a big thing to even have a thought of entering Bollywood at that time -- especially for a person who belongs to a middle-class family in Karol Bagh, Delhi. I clearly remember how I worked as a cashier for a year in a textile mill to meet my financial needs. I did not want to sleep on platforms, so I had worked a lot to earn enough to be able to sleep without an empty stomach. I used to receive only Rs 400 a month for that job. After finishing my job, I used to go to Prithvi Theatre and do plays, and then gradually films came my way."
In another interview, the late actor shared, "In Bombay (Mumbai), I wasn't getting any roles at all. Those days when I started, that is in the eighties, most heroes did comedy, action, everything. We didn't stand a chance. Also, I was new to Bombay. To survive I did a job in a textile mill. I joined Nadira Babbar's Ekjut and acted in some plays. So I would work in the mill in the mornings and go to the theatre in the evenings. Still, the roles weren't coming."
Speaking about his foray into showbiz, he shared, "Finally, I decided I should become an assistant. Because I couldn't sit idle, you know. I have to do something or the other all the time. I am very restless person. I do 10 things at the same time. Like today I am acting, directing, writing, and running my own production company. So I thought that I should be working every day. And then I joined Shekhar Kapur."
Satish Kaushik - Journey In Bollywood
Satish Kaushik started his career in Hindi cinema as a supporting actor and assistant director. He assisted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur in his 1983 classic 'Masoom', and it was in the same year that he wrote dialogues for and acted in the film 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro'. However, he became a star in 1987 with the film 'Mr. India', in which his portrayal of Calendar is still our favorite.
After 'Mr. India', there was no looking back for Kaushik. He went on to star in several hit films, including 'Ram Lakhan', 'Saajan Chale Sasural', 'Mr. And Mrs. Khiladi', 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', 'Haseen Maan Jayegi', 'Udta Punjab', and more.
He made his directorial debut in 1993 with the film 'Roop Ki Rani, Choron Ka Raja', which was a box-office failure. His second film, 'Prem', starring Sanjay Kapoor and Tabu, was again a box-office failure. He directed 'Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain' in 1999 which emerged as a massive hit. However, his most successful directorial venture was 'Tere Naam', starring Salman Khan, which shattered all box office records.
From working at a textile mill to becoming one of Bollywood's most respected figures, the late Satish Kaushik's journey is an example that no matter how many setbacks there are in life, one should always remain steadfast and not stop until achieving the ultimate goal.
