In the late 1960s, actors Asrani and Jaya Bachchan, both graduates of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, faced significant hurdles in breaking into the Hindi film industry, despite their formal training. Asrani, in an interview, recounted how producers dismissed his degree, stating that established stars didn't require formal training and that he was wasting his time.

During this challenging period, Indira Gandhi, who was the Minister of Information and Broadcasting at the time, visited FTII. Asrani and his classmates brought their predicament to her attention, explaining that despite their training, they were struggling to find work in the film industry.

Indira Gandhi intervened by urging producers in Mumbai to give opportunities to FTII graduates. This intervention proved to be a turning point for Asrani and others. Veteran actor Asrani said in an interview that after completing his acting degree in Pune, he and his classmates were unemployed. He added that after he and other classmates complained to Indira Gandhi that no one was giving them roles despite completing their acting studies, Indira Gandhi sent a message to film producers in Mumbai, asking them to give roles to acting graduates from the Pune Institute.

Following Indira Gandhi's intervention, Hrishikesh Mukherjee cast Jaya Bhaduri (later Jaya Bachchan) in the film Guddi (1971). Asrani, who had been Jaya Bachchan’s teacher at the institute, also received a role in the film. Guddi's success marked a significant moment, changing the perception of FTII-trained actors and opening doors for them in Bollywood.

Asrani's career took off, and he became a regular face in Hindi cinema, appearing in numerous hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Chupke Chupke, Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, Roti, and Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar. However, his role in Sholay cemented his place in the hearts of audiences for generations.

Asrani, born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on January 1, 1941, began his acting journey in theater before joining FTII. He spent his early years in Mumbai struggling to find work, even returning to Jaipur to work in his family's carpet shop. Hrishikesh Mukherjee mentored Asrani and helped him get his break. Asrani also taught at FTII.

Asrani passed away on Monday, October 20, at the age of 84, following a prolonged illness. Over his five-decade-long career, he appeared in over 350 films, earning recognition for his comedic timing and versatile acting.