Veteran Actor-Director Asrani Passes Away at 84

Renowned actor-director Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, at 3 p.m., confirmed his manager Babu Bhai Thiba. Asrani’s family issued a statement on his Instagram profile, describing his passing as “an irreparable loss for both Hindi cinema and our hearts,” adding, “The indelible mark he left through his performances will remain eternal.”

Born in Jaipur on January 1, 1941, Asrani began his career as a voice artist at All India Radio. He trained in acting under Sahitya Kalabhai Thakkar and moved to Mumbai in 1962 to pursue his passion for cinema. A chance encounter with filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee led him to join the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, from where he graduated in 1966.

Despite his training, early opportunities were scarce. To sustain himself, he began teaching at FTII, a move that would unexpectedly pave the way for his breakthrough. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who taught as guest faculty at FTII, reached out to Asrani on Gulzar’s recommendation. He was looking to cast Jaya Bachchan (then, Bhaduri) for his film Guddi (1971). Asrani introduced Hrishikesh to Jaya, who had impressed everyone with her work in a student film. During the process, Asrani too auditioned, and landed the role of an aspiring actor in Guddi. The film went on to become a hit, propelling both the teacher, Asrani, and his student, Jaya, into the spotlight.

Asrani went on to appear in several Hindi and Gujarati films, including Bawarchi, Namak Haraam, Chupke Chupke, Abhimaan, Chala Murari Hero Banne, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Parichay, Chhoti Si Baat, Rafoo Chakkar, Khoon Pasina, Alaap, Amdavad No Rikshawalo, Saat Qaidi, Sansar Chakra, and Pankhi No Mal, among others. His most iconic role remains that of the eccentric jailor in the cult classic Sholay.

Reflecting on the enduring appeal of his Sholay character, Asrani told the BBC earlier this year, “As Sholay completes 50 years, I can tell you—there has not been a single function or event where I haven’t been asked to recite those dialogues. It’s all because of Sippy saab’s direction and the writing of Salim-Javed. I got a chance to learn how to truly prepare for a role, and what a lesson it was. I salute Ramesh Sippy saab, I salute Salim-Javed saab. Even after 50 years, people still remember that role and those lines by heart.”

Asrani also directed six films. He was last seen in the 2023 comedy Non Stop Dhamaal. The actor is survived by his wife, actress Manju Asrani. His last rites were performed at Santacruz Crematorium on Monday evening. Just hours before his passing, Asrani took to social media to wish his fans a Happy Diwali.