Beloved Actor and Comedian Asrani Passes Away at Age 84
Mumbai mourns the loss of beloved actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, known simply as Asrani, who passed away at the age of 84. He succumbed to complications related to prolonged illness after being hospitalized for five days.
Early Life and Education
Asrani was born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, into a middle-class Sindhi family. His father owned a carpet shop, but Asrani chose a different path. He attended St. Xavier’s School for his early education and graduated from Rajasthan College, Jaipur. To finance his studies, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio in Jaipur.
Acting Journey
Asrani’s passion for acting led him to learn the craft under Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar from 1960 to 1962. He furthered his education at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, enrolling in 1964. His Bollywood debut came in 1967 with the film ‘Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan’, where he played a supporting role alongside actor Biswajeet.
Iconic Roles and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Asrani captured audiences with his versatile performances. One of his most iconic roles was as the jailer in the landmark film Sholay. He also collaborated with renowned directors such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and B.R. Chopra.
- Featured in approximately 25 films with Rajesh Khanna, notably Bawarchi (1972).
- Contributed to popular comedies in the 2000s, including:
- Hera Pheri
- Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa
- Baghban
- Chup Chup Ke
- Garam Masala
- Bol Bachchan
- Made a recent appearance in the 2023 comedy Dream Girl 2.
Personal Life
Asrani was married to actress Manju Bansal, whom he met during the filming of ‘Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar’ and ‘Namak Haram’. The couple welcomed a son, Naveen Asrani.
Legacy
With a career that spanned over five decades, Asrani’s contributions as both an actor and director have left a significant impact on Hindi cinema. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
