Mumbai, Oct 20:
Veteran actor Asrani died at the age of 84. His nephew Ashok Asrani confirmed the news.
The senior and versatile actor of Hindi cinema, Shri Govardhan Asrani, passed away this evening at around 4 PM after a prolonged illness.
He was originally a resident of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Asrani received his education from St. Xavier’s School, Jaipur.
Asrani’s contribution to the field of comic acting has been invaluable.
Over several decades, he gave Hindi cinema many memorable characters and carved a special place in the hearts of the audience.
Asrani’s career was a testament to his versatility and longevity, spanning over five decades and encompassing more than 350 films. His most significant contribution was as a comedic and supporting actor, roles which became the backbone of many major Hindi films.
The 1970s marked his peak, where he became one of the most bankable character actors, appearing in iconic movies such as ‘Mere Apne’, ‘Koshish’, ‘Bawarchi’, ‘Parichay’, ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, ‘Rafoo Chakkar’, and the highly popular film released in 1975, where his role as the eccentric jail warden became an unforgettable cultural touchstone. He cemented his place as a master of comic timing and dialogue delivery.
Beyond acting, Asrani also had notable achievements in other facets of filmmaking. He successfully transitioned into a lead hero in a few films, notably in the critically acclaimed 1977 Hindi film, ‘Chala Murari Hero Banne’, which he wrote and directed. He also tried his hand at direction with films like ‘Salaam Memsaab’ (1979) and several others across his career. His work extended into Gujarati cinema, where he took on lead roles and found considerable success during the 1970s and 1980s. This willingness to explore multiple creative roles highlighted his commitment to the art of cinema beyond the scope of a mere actor.
The 84-year-old was also known for working in some of the recent comedies such as the ‘Dhamaal’ franchise. His role as actor Ashish Chaudhary’s father in the film received appreciation.
However, the veteran’s most iconic role remains the jailer in Ramesh Sippy’s action-drama ‘Sholay’.
The film industry and his fans are deeply saddened by the news of his demise.