Mon Oct 20 15:25:53 UTC 2025: News Article:
Veteran Actor Asrani Passes Away at 84
Mumbai, India – Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, widely known and loved as Asrani, passed away on Monday at the age of 84 after battling a prolonged illness. The actor had been hospitalized for five days due to age-related ailments.
Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, Asrani leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Hindi cinema spanning over five decades. From his early days as a voice artist at All India Radio to his formal acting training at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Asrani demonstrated a passion for performance that would define his career.
Asrani made his Bollywood debut in 1967 with “Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan”. He garnered widespread recognition for his iconic role as a jailer in the classic film “Sholay,” and delivered memorable performances in films by acclaimed directors such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and BR Chopra. He also starred in around 25 films with Rajesh Khanna, including “Bawarchi”. In the 2000s, Asrani became a fixture in Priyadarshan’s comedies, with notable roles in films like “Hera Pheri,” “Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa,” and “Bol Bachchan,” among many others. His last film was the 2023 comedy “Dream Girl 2”.
Beyond acting, Asrani also contributed to the industry as a director.
He is survived by his wife, actress Manju Bansal, whom he met during the filming of “Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar” and “Namak Haram,” and their son, Naveen Asrani.
Asrani’s versatile performances and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema, and he will be remembered fondly by generations of moviegoers.
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