As our beloved childhood show CID gears up for a grand comeback, it’s impossible not to reminisce about the man who made “Kuch toh gadbad hai, Daya!” a phrase etched in our collective memories. Shivaji Satam, the iconic ACP Pradyuman, exemplifies how passion and perseverance can transform an ordinary life into an extraordinary legacy.
Born in a small town in Maharashtra, Shivaji Satam started his professional journey far removed from the limelight. He worked as a cashier in a bank, meticulously counting cash during his nine-to-five job. But even as he managed the mundanities of financial transactions, his heart was elsewhere—on the stage. His passion for theatre remained undeterred, and he often referred to the bank as a steady sponsor for his artistic pursuits.
“The bank was subsidising my art,” Shivaji once remarked, acknowledging how it allowed him to nurture his creative inclinations. His life took a transformative turn during a theatre competition, where his love for performing arts was reignited, pushing him toward a critical decision: to leave behind the safety of a stable paycheck and plunge headfirst into the unpredictable world of acting.
The road was not easy. Shivaji began his acting career with Marathi theatre, eventually stepping into Marathi films and eyeing a breakthrough in Bollywood. Over time, he earned roles in popular Hindi films such as Nayak and Sooryavansham. Despite these appearances, his big moment in the industry was still on the horizon.
It was in 1998 that fate offered Shivaji the role of a lifetime—ACP Pradyuman in CID. Little did anyone know that this would mark the beginning of a 22-year journey that would cement his place in the hearts of millions. Shivaji poured his soul into the role, creating a character whose intensity and moral uprightness were both compelling and endearing.
“The basic thing is that I love acting,” Shivaji reflected on his journey. “I trained and educated myself watching Marathi theatre, and that’s how I can bring variations in my character. First, you have to empathise with whatever character you do.” It was this empathy and dedication that made ACP Pradyuman a household name, bonding families over thrilling cases and captivating even legends like Lata Mangeshkar.
CID wasn’t just a show; it was an era. Running for over two decades, it captivated audiences with its crime-solving brilliance, unique camaraderie, and Shivaji’s magnetic presence. Today, as news of the show’s revival rekindles nostalgia, Shivaji’s journey continues to inspire.
Reflecting on his career, Shivaji said, “I have been working for 45 years; my first theatre performance was as a child in 1976, and since then I have been enjoying myself, honestly.”
His story is not just a testament to talent but also to the power of dreams. Shivaji Satam, the cashier-turned-cultural-icon, remains a shining example of how one can achieve greatness by following their passion and never giving up. As CID prepares to make its much-awaited return, fans can once again look forward to seeing ACP Pradyuman’s sharp wit, unwavering principles, and timeless charm light up the screen.