Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known simply as Asrani, passed away in hospital on Monday, October 20, 2025. He was 84.
With a film career spanning more than five decades and over 300 films, Asrani was remembered for his unforgettable performances in classics such as Sholay, Namak Haram, and Guddi.
His portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Sholay became one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic comedic roles.
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Asrani began his career in the 1960s and quickly became a familiar face in Hindi cinema. His natural comic timing and expressive performances made him a favourite of both filmmakers and audiences.
Known for his versatility, Asrani moved seamlessly between comedy and drama, working with celebrated directors including Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Raj Kapoor, who helped cement his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most dependable and endearing character actors.
In a 2016 interview with Hindustan Times, Asrani lamented the changing face of comedy in Indian cinema.
“Earlier we had two types of schools of comedy – Bimal Roy’s, which was realistic, and the Madras school, which was subtle,” he said.
“Bimal Roy never kept comedy out of the storyline. Madras comedy was another track but never vulgar. Now, it has come down to terrible stuff. Ab to behad vulgar ho gaya hai, bas kapde utarne ki deri hai.”
Asrani’s final Bollywood appearance was in the 2016 adult comedy Mastizaade, where he played actor Sunny Leone’s father.
Reflecting on that role, he admitted, “Mujhe Mastizaade main kaam karna pada, mujhe sharam aayi (I had to work in Mastizaade, I felt embarrassed).”
Asrani leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and timeless performances that have become part of the fabric of Indian cinema.
