Shah was born in Sindkheda, in the Dhule district of Maharashtra. He completed his primary education there and moved to Mumbai for his higher secondary education. 

He graduated in economics from the University of Mumbai. While at Ruparel College, he actively represented the institution in sporting events; and even won the prestigious Mumbai University Volleyball Shield. 

While completing his studies, he worked with an advertising agency, gaining valuable experience in commercial arts. Driven by a vision to establish his own business, Shah started his commercial studio, Studio Linkall, in 1962. Within a few years, in 1968, he shifted his focus to printing. By 1972, after significant growth, he acquired 100% shares of Reliance Agency, another printing business located in Mumbai’s stock trading area. 

In 1978, his commitment to excellence and constant innovation led him to acquire a majority stake in Onlooker Press at Sassoon Docks in Colaba. Under his leadership, the company diversified into commercial printing, producing share application forms and continuous computer stationery, equipped with the latest technology to meet evolving industry demands. 

Shah’s dedication to giving back to the industry propelled him into leadership roles in trade associations. He served as president of the Mumbai Mudrak Sangh and also led the Maharashtra Mudran Parishad. 

He took on national responsibilities, serving as the honorary general secretary and vice president of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP). In 2013, the AIFMP awarded him the prestigious Jewel of AIFMP during its Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Shah, who understood the need for a dedicated printing institute in Mumbai while president of Mumbai Mudrak Sangh, spearheaded the establishment of the Institute of Printing Technology at Panvel. With support from the printing industry, he led the institute to gain state and central government recognition, ensuring its graduates achieved government-recognised diplomas. 

Inspired by the journey, he authored a booklet titled Karyapurti – Kartavyapurti Anand (The Joy of Dutifully Completing a Task), which captures his reflections on the institution’s challenges and achievements. 

He was also honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Late Dr Pa Bha Kulkarni Pratishthan, Pune. In 1998, seeking to contribute to his birthplace, Shah established a notebook and exercise book manufacturing unit in Sindkheda, producing products under the name MEERA, which now reaches numerous students and educational institutions. 

Additionally, he founded Smt Meeraben Girls High School in Sindkheda, where scholarships are awarded annually to support underprivileged girls, ensuring they have access to education and empowerment. 

His lasting legacy is now upheld by his nephews, Mehul and Vrajesh Shah, who continue to lead and grow the businesses founded by Vasudeo Shah, honouring his vision and commitment to excellence.

Anand Limaye, director of India Printing Works, and former president of the MMS, recollects “Vasudeo bhai was a unique and dashing personality who had developed an empire from scratch with sheer hard work and perseverance. I had the privilege to work with Vasudeo Shah during the golden jubilee celebrations of MMS.”

Limaye added that all the proceeds from an exhibition Shah organised were given to the Maharashtra Mudran Parishad to begin the construction of the Technical Education Institute at Panvel. He said, “Vasudeo lived his life to the fullest with the values he held on to, through his passion for social work. I salute the real sportsman I have ever met.” (sic)

Ramu Ramanathan, editor of PrintWeek and WhatPackaging?, remembering Shah, said, “I met him on three occasions at the Onlooker Press in Sassoon Dock, and on all three occasions I learnt a lot from him about ink on paper and costing, and fishing trends in the Arabian Sea.”