Govardhan Asrani, a beloved fixture of Indian cinema whose comic genius and versatility delighted audiences for more than five decades, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. The iconic actor-director died at 3 PM at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, after a prolonged illness and complications related to water accumulation in his lungs, his manager Babu Bhai Thiba confirmed to multiple outlets including ANI and the Press Trust of India. Asrani’s passing marks the end of an era for fans, fellow actors, and an industry that cherished his unparalleled ability to bring laughter and warmth to the screen.
Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Asrani’s journey to stardom began in modest circumstances. He grew up in a middle-class Sindhi family and first found his voice—quite literally—working as a voice artist at All India Radio in Jaipur, according to The Indian Express. His passion for acting led him to train under Sahitya Kalabhai Thakkar before he moved to Mumbai in 1962, determined to carve a niche in Hindi cinema. Formal training at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, from which he graduated in 1966, set the stage for a remarkable career that would span more than 300 films in Hindi and Gujarati.
Early opportunities in the industry were hard-won. Asrani’s first roles were small—appearing in films such as Hum Kahan Ja Rahe Hain, Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan, Umang, and Satyakam. He supported himself by teaching at FTII, a move that would unexpectedly lead to his breakthrough. As recounted by The Indian Express, a chance encounter with filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee—who was seeking new talent for his film Guddi (1971)—brought Asrani to the spotlight. Not only did he help introduce Jaya Bachchan (then Bhaduri) to Mukherjee, but he also landed a role himself. The film’s success propelled both Asrani and Jaya Bachchan into the public eye.
From there, Asrani’s career blossomed. He became a staple of Hindi cinema, appearing in a string of classics throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Notable films included Bawarchi, Namak Haraam, Chupke Chupke, Abhimaan, Chala Murari Hero Banne, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Parichay, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rafoo Chakkar. Directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Gulzar valued his adaptability and comedic timing. Mukherjee once told Bollywood Hungama, “It is neither Rajesh Khanna, nor Dharmendra. Not even Amitabh Bachchan. It is Asrani. What a talent, what an actor! Cast him as anyone, anything, he is ready for the challenge.”
Yet, it was Asrani’s role as the eccentric colonial-era jailer in Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 cult classic Sholay that cemented his legacy in the hearts of millions. His line, “Hum Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain (I am a jailer from the British era),” became instantly iconic and is still quoted by fans today. Reflecting on the role for the BBC earlier this year, Asrani said, “As Sholay completes 50 years, I can tell you—there has not been a single function or event where I haven’t been asked to recite those dialogues. It’s all because of Sippy saab’s direction and the writing of Salim-Javed. I got a chance to learn how to truly prepare for a role, and what a lesson it was. I salute Ramesh Sippy saab, I salute Salim-Javed saab. Even after 50 years, people still remember that role and those lines by heart.”
Asrani’s talents extended beyond acting. He directed six films, including Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977), in which he also played the title role. Throughout his career, he was known for his ability to blend humor with subtlety, and his presence elevated countless films. In later years, he continued to delight audiences with supporting roles in movies such as Hera Pheri (2000) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007). His last appearance on screen was in the 2023 comedy Non Stop Dhamaal.
Asrani was also a vocal commentator on the changing landscape of Indian comedy. In a 2016 interview with Hindustan Times, he lamented, “Earlier we had two types of schools of comedy – Bimal Roy school (which was realistic) and Madras school (which was subtle). Bimal Roy never kept comedy out of the story line. 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 (Comedy now has become extremely vulgar, all that remains is for people to start taking their clothes off).”
Tributes poured in from across the film industry and beyond as news of his passing broke. Actor Akshay Kumar wrote on social media, “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bahot pyare insaan the (He was a very lovable person)…he had the most legendary comic timing. From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our unreleased Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan…I had worked and learned so much from him. What an absolute loss to our industry. God bless you Asrani Sir, for giving us a million reasons to laugh.”
Actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav described his collaborations with Asrani as “special,” while director Anant Mahadevan wrote, “Saddened by the passing of Asrani ji. Had the opportunity to share screen time in films like Gardish and directed him in a very different avatar in Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and Gour Hari Dastaan. He also cast me in his own series Kashmakash. A company I always relished & respected.”
Even as his health declined, Asrani’s spirit remained undimmed. Just hours before his passing, he took to social media to wish his fans a Happy Diwali, a final gesture of warmth and gratitude. His family, in a statement shared on Instagram, said, “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.”
Asrani’s last rites were performed at Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai on Monday evening, attended privately by close family, as per his wishes. He is survived by his wife, actress Manju Asrani, as well as his sister and nephew. In the words of cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, “How many people, in their passing, can leave memories of having made so many people laugh, of increasing the level of happiness in the world. One of my favourite actors.”
Asrani’s legacy as a master of comedy, a mentor, and a cherished colleague will continue to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike. His performances, both grand and understated, remain woven into the fabric of Indian cinematic history.
