Veteran Actor-Comedian Asrani Passes Away at 84 in Mumbai

The curtains fell on a cinematic legend as veteran actor-comedian Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 84, succumbing to age-related ailments. Hospitalized for two weeks at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Mumbai, the beloved star left behind a legacy of laughter that spanned over five decades. His manager, Babubhai Thiba, shared that Asrani, true to his humble nature, requested a quiet farewell, with his last rites held privately at Shastri Nagar crematorium in Santacruz, attended by close family and friends.

Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur to a middle-class Sindhi family, Asrani grew up far from the glitz of Bollywood. His father ran a modest carpet shop, but young Asrani’s heart was set on performance. Educated at St. Xavier’s School and Rajasthan College, he moonlighted as a voice artist at All India Radio to fund his studies. His passion led him to train under Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar from 1960 to 1962, before honing his craft at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, graduating in 1966.

Asrani’s Bollywood journey began with a small but memorable role in 1967’s Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan, playing Biswajeet’s friend. He soon shone in Gujarati cinema, leading films with charisma and ease. His defining moment came in 1975’s Sholay, where his uproarious portrayal of the jailer—complete with the iconic line “Yeh Somwar hai, boss”—made him a household name. Mimicking the film’s villains with pitch-perfect comedy, Asrani became synonymous with laughter.

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The 1970s and ‘80s saw him thrive under directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Chupke Chupke, Gol Maal), Gulzar (Angoor), and B.R. Chopra (Pati Patni Aur Woh). A close friend of Rajesh Khanna, Asrani featured in over 25 films with the superstar, their camaraderie lighting up classics like Bawarchi (1972). Beyond acting, he directed six films between 1974 and 1997, earning accolades like the 1973 Shama Sushama Award for Best Comedian in Anhonee and Gujarat State honors for his 1986 Gujarati film Saat Qaidi.

In the 2000s, Asrani became a staple in Priyadarshan’s comedy universe, delivering iconic performances in Hera Pheri (2000), Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (2003), Baghban (2003), Chup Chup Ke (2006), Garam Masala (2005), and Bol Bachchan (2012). His mischievous landlord in Hera Pheri remains etched in fans’ hearts, while his cameo in 2023’s Dream Girl 2 showcased his timeless appeal. With over 350 films, Asrani’s versatility spanned lead roles, character parts, and comic gems.

His personal life was as warm as his screen presence. Asrani married actress Manju Bansal, his co-star from Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and Namak Haraam, and they shared a son, Naveen. Tributes flooded in, with Akshay Kumar, who met him days ago on the set of Haiwaan, mourning the loss of a “bahut pyare insaan” whose “incredible comic timing” shaped generations. Fans echoed the sentiment, flooding social media with clips of his unforgettable roles.

Asrani’s quiet exit reflected his unassuming spirit, but his laughter-filled legacy is anything but subdued. From Jaipur’s lanes to Bollywood’s spotlight, he turned moments into magic, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. As fans bid farewell, the void is palpable—Bollywood’s comedy king will forever reign in our hearts.

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