Govardhan Asrani, the veteran Bollywood actor and director affectionately known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 84, following a prolonged illness. His family confirmed his passing, releasing a statement on his Instagram profile celebrating him as "the one who brought smiles to everyone's faces". They added that his passing was an "irreparable loss" to both Hindi cinema and their hearts, wishing peace to his soul.
Asrani's manager, Babu Bhai Thiba, stated that the actor passed away at 3:00 PM at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, where he had been admitted four days prior. According to Thiba, Asrani was experiencing breathing issues due to water accumulation in his lungs. His last rites were held at the Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai on the same day.
Born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on January 1, 1941, Asrani received his education from St. Xavier's School. To support himself, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio, Jaipur. He trained in acting under Sahitya Kalabhai Thakkar before moving to Mumbai in 1962 to pursue his passion for cinema. A chance meeting with filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee led him to join the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, graduating in 1966.
Asrani's career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in more than 350 films. He was known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable performances in supporting roles. The 1970s marked the peak of his career, as he became a sought-after character actor in iconic films such as 'Mere Apne', 'Koshish', 'Bawarchi', 'Parichay', 'Abhimaan', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Chhoti Si Baat', and 'Rafoo Chakkar'. His role as the eccentric jailer in the 1975 classic 'Sholay' remains one of Hindi cinema's most iconic comedic performances.
Beyond acting, Asrani also ventured into writing and direction. He wrote, directed, and starred in the critically acclaimed 1977 film 'Chala Murari Hero Banne'. He also directed films like 'Salaam Memsaab' (1979) and found success in Gujarati cinema, where he played lead roles.
Asrani married actress Manju Bansal, whom he met while working on films like 'Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar' and 'Namak Haram'. They acted together in several films, including 'Tapasya', 'Chandi Sona', and 'Jurmana'.
According to his personal assistant, Asrani wished for a private funeral, requesting his wife not to make his passing a public spectacle. The family followed his wishes, releasing news of his death only after the funeral. A prayer meeting is reportedly being planned.
Just hours before his death, Asrani had shared a Diwali greeting on social media. He is survived by his wife, Manju Asrani, his sister, and nephew. His contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations to come.
