Legendary Indian actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on Monday, October 20, at the age of 84.
The veteran performer, who had been hospitalized for several days due to illness, leaves behind a legacy that spans over six decades of Indian cinema.
Asrani passes away in Mumbai
According to NDTV, Asrani had been admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, where he remained under medical care for five days before his passing. His personal assistant, Babubhai, confirmed to Mid-Day that the actor breathed his last between 3 and 3:30pm on October 20.
The assistant added, “Asrani sahab was admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu four days ago. He passed away today between 3.00 and 3.30 pm. His funeral is done.”
Private funeral held as per wish
When asked about the swift funeral arrangements, Babubhai revealed that Asrani had expressed his wish not to make headlines after his death. “He had told his wife, Manju, that he didn’t want his passing to become big news. This is why the family only spoke about it after the funeral was conducted,” he shared.
A family statement is expected soon, and a prayer meet is being planned in Mumbai.
Remembering comedy legend
Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Asrani hailed from a Sindhi Hindu family. He pursued his passion for acting and went on to become one of Bollywood’s most beloved comic stars.
He married actress Manju Bansal, whom he met while working on films like Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973) and Namak Haram (1973). The couple later appeared together in several films, forming one of Hindi cinema’s most admired on-screen duos.
Asrani’s contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable. His portrayal of the jailer in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay remains one of Bollywood’s most memorable comic performances. His impeccable timing and unique delivery turned the character into an enduring pop-culture reference.
In the same year, Asrani also charmed audiences as Prashant in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Chupke Chupke, further establishing himself as a master of light-hearted humour. His performances in Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), and Chhoti Si Baat (1976) showcased his versatility and impeccable comic flair.
Over the years, Asrani became a staple of Hindi film comedy, known for elevating every film with his humor, sincerity, and warmth.
Legacy that endures
Despite his age, Asrani continued to work in recent years, proving his enduring passion for cinema. He appeared in Dream Girl 2 (2023) and Non Stop Dhamaal (2023), captivating a new generation of audiences.
His upcoming films include Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, both of which were in production at the time of his passing.
Fans, colleagues, and film enthusiasts across India are mourning the loss of a man whose humour and performances shaped the golden era of Bollywood. Asrani’s unmatched versatility and his ability to make people laugh and cry in equal measure ensure that his legacy will live on forever.
