Farewell to Laughter: Bollywood Legend Asrani Passes Away at 84
Mumbai:
Veteran actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. He had been hospitalised for five days due to age-related ailments, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and timeless performances.
Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Asrani hailed from a middle-class Sindhi family. His father ran a carpet shop, but young Asrani was never interested in joining the family business. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier's School and graduated from Rajasthan College, Jaipur. To support his studies, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio.
Between 1960 and 1962, Asrani trained under theatre mentor Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar, later joining the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune in 1964 to refine his craft.
He made his Bollywood debut in 1967 with Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan, playing a friend to actor Biswajeet. Around the same time, he also appeared as a lead in several Gujarati films, showcasing his versatility early on.
Asrani’s most iconic performance came in Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 classic, Sholay, where his portrayal of the eccentric jailer became immortal in Indian cinema. Over the decades, he collaborated with celebrated filmmakers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and B.R. Chopra, and shared a special bond with Rajesh Khanna, appearing together in over 25 films, including Bawarchi (1972).
In the 2000s, Asrani reinvented himself in Priyadarshan’s comedy hits, winning over a new generation with roles in Hera Pheri, Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa, Baghban, Chup Chup Ke, Garam Masala, Bol Bachchan, and many others. His last notable appearance was in Dream Girl 2 (2023).
Asrani was married to actress Manju Bansal, whom he met during the shooting of Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and Namak Haram. The couple has a son, Naveen Asrani.
With a career spanning over five decades, Asrani’s contribution to Indian cinema remains unforgettable — a man who made generations laugh, cry, and smile through his artistry.
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