Veteran actor Asrani, who passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84, had a career spanning over five decades in Bollywood. Known for his iconic role as the jailor in Sholay, Asrani was a versatile actor who appeared in over 300 films, taking on both comedic and serious roles. In a candid interview from 2016, Asrani spoke about his views on the evolution of comedy in Hindi cinema, expressing his concern over the increasing vulgarity.
Asrani observed a significant shift in the landscape of comedy, which prompted him to reflect on the "two types of schools of comedy" that existed earlier. He described the "Bimal Roy school" as realistic and the "Madras school" as subtle, noting that the former seamlessly integrated comedy into the storyline, while the latter, though a separate track, remained free of vulgarity. "Now, it has come down to terrible stuff. Ab to behad vulgar ho gya hai, bas kapde utarne ki deri hai," Asrani stated, expressing his disappointment with the direction comedy had taken. This translates to "Now it has become extremely vulgar, all that remains is taking clothes off...".
Asrani credited filmmakers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and Basu Chatterjee for offering him diverse roles that challenged typecasting and allowed him to explore different facets of his acting ability. He acknowledged that comedy icon Mehmood introduced double-meaning dialogues but believed that the trend later devolved into crude and explicit content.
The veteran actor expressed regret over his involvement in the adult comedy Mastizaade, where he played Sunny Leone's father. " Mujhe mastizaade main kaam karna pada, mujhe sharam aayi (I had to work in Mastizaade, I felt embarrassed)," Asrani confessed. He found the double-meaning dialogues uncomfortable and admitted feeling ashamed to be a part of the film. Despite his disappointment with certain projects, Asrani remained optimistic about the future of Hindi cinema. He hoped for a resurgence of family-oriented films with values-based storytelling, believing that audiences would welcome a return to their cultural roots.
Asrani's critique of vulgarity in comedy reflects a broader concern about the changing values and content in Bollywood. His words serve as a reminder of the importance of subtle, intelligent humor and the need for filmmakers to create content that resonates with family audiences. Asrani's legacy extends beyond his memorable performances; his views on cinema and his hope for a return to wholesome entertainment continue to inspire.
