Mumbai, India – Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, widely known and loved as simply "Asrani," passed away on Monday at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. News of his demise has sent waves of grief throughout the film industry and among his countless fans. Asrani, remembered for his impeccable comic timing and memorable roles in over 350 films across five decades, leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Asrani's manager, Babu Bhai Thiba, confirmed that he passed away at 3 pm at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai. He is survived by his wife, actress Manju Asrani, as well as his sister and nephew. His last rites were performed at the Santacruz Crematorium on Monday evening, with family and close friends in attendance.
Among the many tributes pouring in, actress Kajol expressed her shock and sadness upon hearing the news. While she did not release an official statement, a source close to the actress revealed her sentiments: "Kajol was deeply saddened to learn of Asraniji's passing. She always admired his work and remembers him as a warm and jovial presence on set. She believes he is in a much better place now."
Asrani's career spanned decades, with his most iconic role being the eccentric jailor in the classic film Sholay. His ability to seamlessly blend comedy and character acting made him a sought-after talent in the industry. Other notable films in his illustrious career include Bawarchi, Namak Haraam, Chupke Chupke, and Abhimaan. Beyond acting, Asrani also directed six films. His last on-screen appearance was in the 2023 comedy Non Stop Dhamaal.
Fellow Bollywood stars have also shared their condolences, highlighting Asrani's significant contribution to Indian cinema. Akshay Kumar and Rajpal Yadav both acknowledged his unmatched comic timing and the positive energy he brought to the industry. News of Asrani's death came as a shock to many, especially since he had shared a Diwali greeting with his fans on social media just hours before his passing.
Asrani's family released a statement on his Instagram profile, saying, "Our beloved, the one who brought smiles to everyone's faces, Asrani ji is no longer among us. His passing is an irreparable loss for both Hindi cinema and our hearts. The indelible mark he left through his performances will remain eternal. May God grant peace to his soul".
The veteran actor's death marks the end of an era in Bollywood, but his contributions to comedy and Indian cinema will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
