Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 84.
According to his assistant Babubhai, the actor had been admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu four days earlier.
“Asrani sahab passed away today between 3:00 and 3:30 pm. His funeral has been completed,” he said.
Explaining the family’s decision to conduct the funeral swiftly, Babubhai revealed that Asrani had requested his wife, Manju, not to let his death become headline news. “This is why the family shared the information only after the funeral,” he added.
The family is expected to release an official statement soon, while a prayer meet is also being planned to honor the late actor’s memory.
Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur into a middle-class Sindhi Hindu family, Asrani was married to actress Manju Bansal, his co-star in films like Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and Namak Haram. The couple later appeared together in several movies.
Asrani’s immense contribution to Hindi cinema’s comic tradition spanned more than five decades. His remarkable versatility and impeccable timing made him one of India’s most beloved comic actors.
He is best remembered for his role as the eccentric jailor in Sholay (1975), a performance that became a cultural landmark. In the same year, he charmed audiences as Prashant in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classic comedy Chupke Chupke (1975).
His humor also shone in Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) as Akbar’s assistant, adding sparkle to the ensemble cast. Earlier, he delivered standout performances in Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973) and Chhoti Si Baat (1976), cementing his place as a cornerstone of Hindi film comedy.
In recent years, Asrani appeared in Dream Girl 2 (2023) and Non Stop Dhamaal (2023), proving his enduring charm. His upcoming projects included Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan.
Asrani’s passing marks the end of an era for Hindi cinema, leaving behind a treasure trove of laughter, warmth, and unforgettable moments on screen.
