Legendary Indian actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, affectionately known as Asrani, passed away at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. According to Indian media reports, the veteran actor had been hospitalised for the past five days and breathed his last in Mumbai on Monday evening. His nephew confirmed the news of his death, sending waves of grief across the film fraternity and his global fan base.
With a career spanning over five decades, Asrani became a defining figure of Bollywood’s golden era, renowned for his impeccable comic timing, expressive performances, and versatility. Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Asrani came from a middle-class Sindhi family.
His father ran a carpet shop, but his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in cinema. He studied at St. Xavier’s School and Rajasthan College, later joining the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1964 after receiving acting training under Sahitya Kalabhai Thakkar.
Asrani made his Bollywood debut in 1967 with Hare Kanch Ki Choodiyan, appearing as the friend of actor Biswajit.
Over time, he became one of the most recognizable faces in Indian cinema, working in both Hindi and Gujarati films. His portrayal of the eccentric jailer in the 1975 cult classic Sholay remains one of his most iconic and widely remembered roles.
He shared a close friendship with superstar Rajesh Khanna and appeared in nearly 25 films with him, including Bawarchi (1972). In the 2000s, Asrani reinvented his career with memorable comedic performances in Priyadarshan’s blockbusters such as Hera Pheri, Hungama, Garam Masala, Chup Chup Ke, Baghban, and Bol Bachchan.
His final appearance came in Dream Girl 2 (2023), where he once again displayed his trademark humor. Asrani is survived by his wife, actress Manju Bansal, and their son, Naveen Asrani.
