Shah’s first major breakthrough came with Kundan Shah’s cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. As Municipal Commissioner D’Mello, his character became central to the film’s iconic climax during the hilarious Mahabharat stage play scene.
In Main Hoon Na, he played Professor Rasai, a teacher with an uncontrollable spitting habit. The role was so memorable that he jokingly called himself a 'spitting cobra.' SRK’s laughter on set reportedly led to multiple retakes for one scene.
Shah also shone in films like Bhoothnath (2008) as Principal J.J. Irani, Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) as Karshan Bhai Patel, and Judwa (1997) in a comic cop sequence. His roles in Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Om Shanti Om, Shaadi No. 1, and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani added to his cinematic legacy.
Shah starred in the 1997 Zee TV comedy Ghar Jamai, alongside R. Madhavan and Mandira Bedi. The show revolved around humorous clashes between a Punjabi father-in-law and his Tamil son-in-law, Subbu.
In this 55-episode classic, Shah played 55 different characters, showcasing his versatility and comic genius, making the show a landmark in Indian television comedy.
His portrayal of Indravadhan Sarabhai, Ratna Pathak Shah’s sarcastic husband, remains one of Indian TV’s most iconic comic performances. His wit, timing, and humor captivated audiences in both the 2004 and 2017 seasons.