Satish Kaushik

Satish Kaushik has left his mark as both an actor known for his comic performances in popular Hindi films such as Mr India (1987), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), and Deewana Mastana (1997), as well as a director. Starting his career as an assistant director to Shekhar Kapoor with the film Masoom (1983), he also acted in the film. The same year, he also acted, as well as penned the dialogue and served as assistant director on the landmark film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron (1983). He made his directorial debut with Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993), followed by Prem (1995). Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999) was his first hit directorial. Other films he directed include Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000), Badhaai Ho Badhaai (2002), Tere Naam (2003), and Milenge Milenge (2010). He has also produced Kyon Ki (2005), Darna Zaroori Hai (2006), and Bumm Bumm Bole (2010), besides enjoying success on television and in theatre, his most famous role being in the play Salesman Ramlal. 

Born on 13 April 1956 in a Haryana village, he grew up in Naiwala Gully, Karol Bagh. Graduating from Kirori Mal College, he attended the National School of Drama, before moving to Pune to seek admission at the Film and Television Institute of India. He started his career as a co-writer for Kundan Shah’s cult satire Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro! (1983). He also essayed a role in it, playing the character named Ashok Namboodirippad, Tarneja's assistant. Simultaneously, he worked as assistant director to Shekhar Kapur on Masoom(1983).

A few years later, Satish Kaushik worked on Boney Kapoor’s production Mr. India (1987), directed by Shekhar Kapoor. He worked as associate director on the film besides acting as Anil Kapoor’s loyal cook Calendar. The role, as the complaining yet caring care-giver of the orphaned children being fostered by the character played by Anil Kapoor, won Kaushik appreciation. 
He went on to make made his directorial debut with the same team, comprising the Kapoor brothers and Sridevi, with the very costly Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993). The film was loosely based on Sidney Sheldon’s novel If Tomorrow Comes. However, the film did not do well at the box office, nor did Kaushik’s next directorial Prem (1995) starring Tabu and the Kapoors’ youngest brother, newcomer Sanjay Kapoor. 

Success as a director came with Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999). Starring Anil Kapoor and Kajol, the film was a remake of a Telugu hit.

Kaushik’s next, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000), was also a remake of a Telugu film, starring Anil Kapoor. He went on to direct Tere Naam (2003), this time a remake of a Tamil film. Kaushik bagged a Filmfare Best Director award nomination for this film. 

In 2005, Kaushik directed Arjun Rampal, Amisha Patel and Zayed Khan in Vaada. His 2009 film Teree Sang, starring Ruslaan Mumtaz and Sheena Shahabadi, explored the issue of teen pregnancy. Kaushik also directed and produced the film Gang of Ghosts (2014). 

As a film actor, Satish Kaushik is noted for his roles as Calendar in Mr. India, as well as Pappu Pager in the David Dhawan-directed Deewana Mastana, and Chanu Ahmed in Sarah Gavron's British film Brick Lane (2007). He also has two Filmfare Best Comedian Awards in his kitty, for Ram Lakhan and Saajan Chale Sasural. As a theatre actor, his most note-worthy role was in the Hindi-language play, Salesman Ramlal, an adaptation of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.

In 2007 Kaushik, together with Anupam Kher, who had been his batchmate at NSD, launched a film company called Karol Bagh Productions. Their first film, Teree Sang: A Kidult Love Story (2009), was directed by Kaushik.

Kaushik’s work in television saw him co-write and anchor a TV countdown show, Philips Top Ten. He won the Screen Videocon Award for the same. He was also cast in the lead role of SAB TV's The Great Indian Family Drama. Satish Kaushik has acted in more than 100 films in the course of his career. 

He breathed his last on 9 March, 2023 at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, Haryana at the age of 66 years.