Asrani, the man who made us laugh, takes his final bow

The curtains have fallen on one of Indian cinema’s brightest and most beloved performers. Govardhan Asrani, fondly known to millions simply as ‘Asrani’ passed away at the age of 84 leaving behind a legacy filled with laughter and unforgettable characters.

On Monday, October 20, the veteran actor’s final rites were held at the Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai. According to his manager and close friend, Asrani breathed his last around 3 PM on October 20 following a chest infection. The official statement shared on his Instagram account confirmed the heartbreaking news, describing him as “the king of comedy who ruled over millions of hearts.”
The post read, “He gave Indian cinema a new identity with his unique acting, simplicity, and humor. The life he breathed into every character will forever live on in our memories. His passing is not just a loss for the film industry, but for everyone who ever smiled at his acting. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
What makes the loss even more poignant is that just hours before his passing, Asrani had wished his fans a happy Diwali through a cheerful post on social media.
Asrani’s Bollywood journey
Asrani’s career was nothing short of extraordinary, truly. With over 350 films to his credit his journey spanned more than five decades from the black-and-white classics to the vibrant blockbusters. He was a graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune. In mid-1960s, Asrani entered the film industry with refined acting skills and a gift for comic timing. These qualities went on to make him a household name.
While he began with serious and supporting roles it was comedy that became his true calling. His expressive face coupled with impeccable timing and ability to find humor in everyday mundane life made him one of the most reliable and endearing comedians in Hindi cinema. This is why, during the 1970s and 1980s, his presence in films became almost indispensable.
Among his many performances, his role as the eccentric jailor in ‘Sholay’ remains etched in Indian pop culture even today after so many decades. His Hitler-inspired mustache and unforgettable dialogue delivery were so catchy that people still call it one of the most iconic comedic characters ever on screen.
Even today, his “hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailor hain” line continues to be quoted and celebrated.
But Asrani was not just about punchlines and parodies. He proved his range with roles in films like ‘Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar’ and ‘Chala Murari Hero Banne’. The latter also marked his stint as a director.
His work extended beyond Hindi cinema too. He appeared in Gujarati and Rajasthani films, became a director and writer, and also remained active in the industry well into his later years.