In a heartfelt interview, the late Satish Kaushik shared memories from the time he worked on the classic Bollywood film Mr India (1987). He looked back with joy and surprise at how big the movie became over the years.
“When we started working on Mr India, we didn’t know it would become such a legendary film,” Kaushik said. “The story had a mix of fantasy and deep emotion, which made it special for all ages.”
Kaushik played the beloved character Calendar in the film. His role added humor and warmth, making him a fan favorite. He acted alongside big stars like Anil Kapoor and Amrish Puri. But Kaushik didn’t just act—he also worked behind the scenes as the associate director.
“I’m thankful to Boney Kapoor,” Kaushik said. “He offered me a salary and made me the associate director. It meant a lot to me. My name was the first to appear in the credits, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
He also talked about his close bond with Mr India director Shekhar Kapur. The two had first worked together on Masoom in 1983. Kaushik said, “I started as a third assistant director with Shekhar, but over time, I became like family to him.” Their strong working relationship helped make Mr India the hit it became.
The film’s huge success surprised everyone involved. “We never imagined the movie would have such a lasting effect,” Kaushik said. “It had everything—comedy, drama, fantasy—and people loved it. It was something fresh for the audience.”
He also praised producer Boney Kapoor for believing in him. “Boney had confidence in my abilities,” Kaushik shared. “He saw that I could contribute both as an actor and behind the camera. Making Mr India was a team effort, and I’ll always appreciate being a part of it.”
Even though Mr India was a major part of his career, Kaushik’s journey in Indian cinema didn’t stop there. He played important roles in popular films like Ram Lakhan, Saajan Chale Sasural, and Deewana Mastana. Audiences loved his comic timing and unique presence on screen.
Kaushik was also a proud graduate of the National School of Drama, and his love for acting and directing showed in every project he worked on. His skills weren’t just limited to acting—he had a deep understanding of storytelling and filmmaking.
Sadly, Satish Kaushik passed away on March 9, 2023. But his work continues to inspire fans and filmmakers alike. With his unforgettable roles and dedication to the craft, Kaushik remains a respected and loved figure in the world of Indian cinema.
His contribution to movies like Mr India will always be remembered, reminding us of the magic he brought both on-screen and off-screen.
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