Veteran Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, known mononymously as Asrani, has passed away at the age of 84. His nephew, Ashok Asrani, confirmed that the actor passed away on the evening of October 20, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Asrani leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning over five decades in the Indian film industry. He was a versatile performer, having acted in over 350 Hindi films, playing lead roles, character roles, comedic roles, and supporting roles. He received his education from St. Xavier's School, Jaipur.
Asrani's career reached its peak in the 1970s, where he became a sought-after character actor. He appeared in numerous iconic movies, including "Mere Apne," "Koshish," "Bawarchi," "Parichay," "Abhimaan," "Chupke Chupke," "Chhoti Si Baat," and "Rafoo Chakkar". However, he is perhaps best remembered for his unforgettable role as the eccentric jail warden in the 1975 classic, "Sholay," a performance that cemented his place as a master of comic timing and dialogue delivery. His portrayal of the jailer became an unforgettable cultural touchstone.
Beyond his comedic brilliance, Asrani also ventured into other aspects of filmmaking. In the critically acclaimed 1977 film, "Chala Murari Hero Banne," he took on the role of lead hero, while also writing and directing the movie. He further explored directing with films like "Salaam Memsaab" (1979) and several others throughout his career. Asrani also achieved considerable success in Gujarati cinema during the 1970s and 1980s, where he played lead roles.
Asrani's journey in the film industry began after he graduated from the Film Institute in Pune in 1966. He got his first break in Hindi films in 1967, playing the friend of actor Biswajeet in "Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan".
His close friendship with Rajesh Khanna led to Asrani becoming a regular fixture in Khanna's films. The two actors worked together in 25 films between 1972 and 1991, including "Bawarchi" (1972) and "Ghar Parivaar" (1991).
The film industry and fans are mourning the loss of a legendary actor who brought laughter and joy to generations. Asrani's contribution to Hindi cinema, particularly his comedic roles, remains invaluable, leaving behind many memorable characters that have carved a special place in the hearts of audiences.
