Asrani's family issues a statement after his quiet farewell: The one who brought smiles to everyone’s faces...

Asrani died on October 20

Veteran actor Asrani October 20 leaving a huge void in the Hindi film industry. The legendary actor breathed his last on Diwali evening between 3 and 4 PM after being hospitalised in Mumbai’s Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital.

Honouring Asrani’s long-held wish for privacy, his family performed his last rites at the Santacruz Crematorium without media attention. Now they broke their silence, and shared an emotional note on the actor’s official Instagram handle.

“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,” the Hindi statement read.

According to his personal assistant, Babubhai, Asrani had been battling a prolonged illness. “Asrani sahab was admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu four days ago. From what the doctors told us, there was fluid (water) accumulation in his lungs. He passed away today, October 20, around 3:30 pm. The last rites have already been completed,” he told India Today.

Also Read: Remembering Asrani: From Sholay’s iconic jailer to a comedy Legend, a look at his journey

His manager also confirmed the news to ANI, stating, “Asrani passed away today at 3 PM at Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu. He is survived by his wife, sister, and nephew.”

In a career spanning over five decades and more than 350 films, Asrani became a household name for his comic brilliance and impeccable timing. From classics like Bawarchi, Chupke Chupk, and Namak Haraam to Pati Patni Aur Woh and Chhoti Si Baat, his roles brought laughter to Indian homes.

However, it was his unforgettable portrayal of the jailer in Ramesh Sippy’s cult classic Sholay (1975) that made him immortal in Bollywood history. Reflecting on the film’s legacy earlier this year, Asrani told the BBC, “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… Even after 50 years, people still remember that role and those lines by heart.”

Asrani also ventured into direction with films like Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977), which he also wrote and starred in, and Salaam Memsaab (1979). He found success in Gujarati cinema as well. In later years, Asrani appeared in several modern comedies, including the Dhamaal franchise, where his effortless humour continued to shine.