Veteran Bollywood actor Asrani — whose ironic lines Hum angrezon ke zamane ke jailer hain, humare izaat bina yahan parinde par bhi nahi mar sakta he he he... ha ha aadhe idar jao, aadhe udar jao ... aur baaki me peeche aao.. are still remembered even 50 years after the release of film Sholay — is no more.
Known for comic timing, presence and dialogue delivery, Asarni — playing the role of an eccentric jailor spoofed Adolf Hitler a la Charlie Chaplin in film Sholay — won of the hearts of millions of film goers across the country so much so that actor’s comic lines were discussed in the media yet again when the film completed 50 years of its release on August 15, 2025. Or who can forget Asrani’s comic run-ins with Amol Palekar in the Basu Chatterjee-directed romantic comedy Chhoti Si Baat in their pursuit of the heroine of the film Vidya Sinha. Like Sholay released in 1975, Chhoti Si Baat — released in the same year —is of Asrani’s memorable films in career spanning over five decades.
Govardhan Asrani — popularly known as Asrani — passed away at the Arogya Nidhi Hospital at Juhu in north-west Mumbai following age-related issues. “Asrani sahab was admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu four days ago. There was fluid (water) accumulation in his lungs. He died at 3.30 pm yesterday. the actor personal assistant, Babubhai said.
He was 84. The actor is survived by his wife, actress Manju Asrani. His last rites were performed at Santacruz Crematorium on Monday evening. “Our beloved, the one who brought smiles to everyone’s faces, Asrani ji is no longer among us. His passing is an irreparable loss for both Hindi cinema and our hearts. The indelible mark he left through his performances will remain eternal. May God grant peace to his soul. Om Shanti,” a statement shared by his family on his Instagram profile stated.
In his long career, Asrani he acted in more than 350 Hindi and Gujarati films, the versatile actor had acted in lead roles, character roles, comedic roles and supporting roles — and have worked with most of of the big actors, directors and producers of his times. Born on January 1, 1941, in a Sindhi-Hindu family in Jaipur, Asrani did is matriculation from St Xaviers School and did his graduation from Rajasthan College. He worked as a voice artist in All India Radio (AIR) to pay for his education.
From 1960 to 1962, Asrani learnt acting from Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar. In 1964, he joined the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune from where he passed out in 1966. Asrani got his first break in Hindi films playing the friend of actor Biswajeet in the filmHare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan in 1967.