Satish Kaul

QAMYAB – THE FORGOTTEN GEMS OF BOLLYWOOD

Qamyab is our humble tribute to all those lesser-known actors, one hit wonders and junior artists who we see umpteen times but don’t know about; beyond their faces. These actors have been an integral part of Bollywood but didn’t get their due. This series is our sincere attempt to put a name to these faces, familiarize them to our readers and celebrate their achievements in life – however big or small. It is our belief that every artist contributes in his/her own way to the cinema’s success. Qamyab will explore the unknown lives of such actors and artists as we believe even these forgotten gems of Bollywood deserve their due recognition today.

A familiar face in Bollywood who started as main hero and then worked in supporting roles with stalwarts like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Mithun Chakraborty; Satish Kaul has over three hundred Hindi and Punjabi films to his credit. At one point of time, he was even referred as the ‘Amitabh Bachchan of Punjabi Cinema’. In spite all this, he passed away penniless and in a pitiable state.

Born on 26th September 1948 in Srinagar, Satish completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA degree) in his hometown only. He later shifted to Pune and got his acting diploma from FTII (Film and Television Institute of India).

Soon enough, Satish Kaul got his acting break in Punjabi films and gradually emerged a superstar there that he began to be called the Amitabh Bachchan of Punjabi Cinema. His popular movies include Jatt Punjabi (1979), Ishq Nimana (1980), Yaar Yaaran De (1982), Jatt Da Gandasa (1982), Sassi Punnu (1983), Vohti Hath Soti (1983), Jeeja Sali (1985), Suhaag Chooda (1988) and Patola (1988).

Kaul aspired to make it big in Bollywood as well and the first Hindi film he signed was director Shiv Kumar’s Ang Se Ang Lagale (1974) with Prema Narayan as his co-star. Unfortunately, the movie bombed badly and he couldn’t replicate the success he got in Punjabi cinema. Kaul appeared as main lead in few more Hindi films like Prem Parbat (1973), Mere Sartaj (1975) and Harfan Maula (1976) which couldn’t succeed at the box office.

Satish then switched to supporting roles in Bollywood where he attained reasonable recognition and success. His notable performances include Shiva Ka Insaaf (1985), Ilzaam (1986), Inaam Dus Hazaar (1987), Aag Hi Aag (1987), Dance Dance (1987), Pyar Ka Mandir (1988), Hatya (1988), Commando (1988), Ram Lakhan (1989), Khel (1992) and Janam Kundli (1995). He also got an opportunity to work with his idol Dilip Kumar in Subhash Ghai’s super hit Karma (1986). He played Dilip Saahab’s son in this film. Another memorable role of was as Lord Indra in B.R. Chopra’s blockbuster TV serial Mahabharat (1988). He also appeared in few episodes of Ramanand Sagar’s Vikram Aur Betaal (1985).

Not too happy playing supporting roles in Bollywood, Satish signed some B grade flicks in frustration which impacted his career negatively.

On personal front, Kaul married Nimmi Singh but unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last too long and Nimmi migrated to her hometown Durban with their son and permanently settled there. Satish Kaul was heartbroken. Around the same time, Satish’s father was diagnosed with cancer and he ended up spending most of his savings on the treatment. Sadly, his father passed away and within a short time, Satish lost his mother as well.

Film offers were also drying up by then. To make ends meet, Satish Kaul decided to start an acting school in Ludhiana. The admissions were encouraging initially but hit a dead end when one fateful day, Kaul slipped in his bathroom and ended up in hospital for close to three years due to damaged hip. In this period, he turned penniless. It is said he left for home with just a mobile phone and a bag of clothes.

His call for financial help was answered by his two ex-colleagues Jackie Shroff and Preeti Sapru. They helped him in his time of need. In 2011, Satish Kaul was presented the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award at the PTC Punjabi Film Awards for his immense contribution to Punjabi Cinema. Satish’s final public appearance was in the Kapil Sharma show where he is sitting amongst the audience on a wheelchair.

Kaul spent his final years in Ludhiana lamenting the fact that he didn’t get to see his son growing up. He led a financially broke and physically challenged life till his end on 10th April 2021. He passed away due to Covid complications. A sordid life of a regional superstar came to an end!!