While Satish Kaushik is widely remembered for his comic performances in popular Hindi films such as Mr India (1987), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), and Deewana Mastana (1997), he is also a commendable non-comedic actor who has only occasionally been allowed to display his potential, such as in the British drama Brick Lane (2007) and the Hindi adaptation of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman in the title role of Salesman Ramlal. Born in a small Haryana village, Satish Kaushik grew up in Delhi and graduated from Kirori Mal College before attending the National School of Drama and, later, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He started his career as a co-writer on Kundan Shah’s cult comedy Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro! (1983) and also played a role in it. Simultaneously, he worked as assistant director to Shekhar Kapur on Masoom (1983).

Satish Kaushik's ties with Boney Kapoor began with Mr. India (1987), where he was associate director apart from his acting role as Anil Kapoor’s loyal cook ‘Calendar’ who complains about his non-paying job but is doggedly devoted to his boss and the orphaned children they look after together.

Satish Kaushik made his directorial debut with the same team, the Kapoor brothers and Sridevi, with the extravagant (and expensive) Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993), loosely based on Sidney Sheldon’s novel If Tomorrow Comes. The film did not fare well at the box office. His next film, Prem (1995), with Tabu and newcomer Sanjay Kapoor, Anil's brother, met a similar fate.

Satish Kaushik finally tasted success with Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999), starring Anil Kapoor and Kajol. The film, remade from a Telugu hit, is the story of a playboy who wishes to get into a contract marriage with any woman who is willing to accept his terms.

Satish Kaushik’s next film was Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000), also a remake of a Telugu film. This time Anil Kapoor plays a benevolent man who offers shelter to a victim of rape (Aishwarya Rai) after her family disowns her and they live together as friends before falling in love.

This was followed by Tere Naam (2003), a remake of a Tamil movie, with Salman Khan as a love-struck man who loses his mind, first in love, and then after being attacked by a bunch of goons. He must heal himself before he can try to reclaim the woman he loves (Bhumika Chawla).

Satish Kaushik recently directed and produced the film Gang of Ghosts (2014) and made appearances in Wedding Pullav (2015) and Jai Ho Democracy (2015), reprising his characteristic comedic roles.