Actor-Comedian Asrani Passes Away at 84
Veteran actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, passed away at the age of 84. His death occurred on Monday following a prolonged illness that resulted in hospitalization for five days.
Early Life and Education
Asrani was born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to a middle-class Sindhi family. His father operated a carpet shop, but Asrani did not pursue this line of work. Instead, he completed his early education at St. Xavier’s School before graduating from Rajasthan College, Jaipur. To finance his studies, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio in Jaipur.
Acting Career
Between 1960 and 1962, Asrani trained in acting under the guidance of Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar. In 1964, he enrolled at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, where he honed his craft. He debuted in Bollywood with the 1967 film ‘Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan,’ portraying a friend of Biswajeet.
Asrani also featured in numerous Gujarati films during this period. His portrayal of a jailer in the iconic film Sholay remains one of his most memorable performances.
Collaborations and Notable Films
- Asrani worked with eminent directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and B.R. Chopra.
- He starred in about 25 films alongside the legendary Rajesh Khanna, including the popular classic Bawarchi (1972).
- His post-2000 career saw him excel in comedy films, collaborating with director Priyadarshan on titles such as:
- Hera Pheri
- Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa
- Baghban
- Chup Chup Ke
- Garam Masala
- Bol Bachchan
- In 2023, he also appeared in the comedy Dream Girl 2.
Personal Life
Asrani was married to actress Manju Bansal, whom he met while working on the films Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and Namak Haram. The couple has one son, Naveen Asrani.
Legacy
With a career spanning over five decades, Asrani’s contributions to Hindi cinema as both an actor and director have left a lasting impact. His versatility and memorable performances continue to resonate with audiences today.
