Actor-director Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 84.
Confirming the news, Asrani’s manager, Babu Bhai Thiba, “Asrani passed away today at 3 pm at Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu.”
His family shared an emotional statement on his Instagram profile, saying, “Our beloved, the one who brought smiles to everyone’s faces, Asrani ji is no longer among us.
His passing is an irreparable loss for both Hindi cinema and our hearts. The indelible mark he left through his performances will remain eternal. May God grant peace to his soul. Om Shanti.”
Asrani, best remembered for his role as the eccentric jailor in the cult classic Sholay, was born in Jaipur on January 1, 1941. After completing his education, he began his career at All India Radio as a voice artist. Trained in acting under Sahitya Kalabhai Thakkar, he moved to Mumbai in 1962 to pursue his passion for cinema.
A chance meeting with filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee led Asrani to join the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, from where he graduated in 1966.
However, opportunities were initially scarce. After small roles in Hum Kahan Ja Rahe Hain, Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan, Umang, and Satyakam, Asrani found it difficult to establish himself in the Mumbai film industry.
To sustain himself, he began teaching at FTII—a decision that would unexpectedly shape his acting journey. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, then serving as a guest faculty member, reached out to Asrani on the recommendation of Gulzar. Mukherjee was searching for a fresh face to cast alongside Jaya Bachchan (then Bhaduri) in Guddi (1971).
Asrani introduced Mukherjee to Jaya, who had impressed many with her student film. During the process, Asrani himself auditioned and was selected to play an aspiring actor.
Guddi became a major success, propelling both Asrani and Jaya Bachchan into the limelight.
Over the years, Asrani appeared in several Hindi and Gujarati films, including Bawarchi, Namak Haraam, Chupke Chupke, Abhimaan, Chala Murari Hero Banne, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Parichay, Chhoti Si Baat, Rafoo Chakkar, Khoon Pasina, Alaap, Amdavad No Rikshawalo, Saat Qaidi, Sansar Chakra, and Pankhi No Mal, among others.
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His portrayal of the quirky jailor in Sholay remains one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable comic performances.
Reflecting on his iconic role earlier this year, Asrani told, “As Sholay completes 50 years, I can tell you—there has not been a single function or event where I haven’t been asked to recite those dialogues. It’s all because of Sippy saab’s direction and the writing of Salim-Javed. I got a chance to learn how to truly prepare for a role, and what a lesson it was. I salute Ramesh Sippy saab, I salute Salim-Javed saab. Even after 50 years, people still remember that role and those lines by heart.”
Besides acting, Asrani also directed six films and remained an active figure in the entertainment industry until recently. His last on-screen appearance was in the 2023 comedy Non Stop Dhamaal.
He is survived by his wife, actress Manju Asrani. His final rites were performed at the Santacruz Crematorium on Monday evening.
Just hours before his passing, Asrani took to social media to wish his fans a Happy Diwali — a final gesture that encapsulated his warmth and enduring connection with audiences.
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