Veteran actor Asrani passes away at 84; remembered for iconic ‘Sholay’ jailer role

The veteran comedian who got his break with Mere Apne in the 1970s was suffering from longtime illnesses

Veteran actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani passed away in Mumbai on Sunday at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. The actor’s final rites were performed quietly at the Shastri Nagar Crematorium in Santacruz West, with no members of the film fraternity present. This was a decision that was made in accordance with Asrani’s final wish to “leave peacefully.”

According to India Today, Asrani had told his wife, Manju, earlier in the day that he wanted to go in peace. Respecting his wish, she instructed his secretary not to inform anyone from the industry until after the last rites had been completed.

Confirming the news, Asrani’s nephew Ashok stated that the actor breathed his last around 3:30 pm. His PA, Babubhai, told India Today, “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.”

The family might issue a statement soon, with a prayer meet being planned in the coming days.

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, Asrani studied at St Xavier’s School before moving to Mumbai to pursue his dream of acting. Over the course of a career spanning more than five decades, he appeared in over 350 films, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors.

Known for his impeccable comic timing, Asrani became one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved character actors. The 1970s marked the peak of his career with memorable performances in classics such as Mere Apne, Koshish, Bawarchi, Parichay, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rafoo Chakkar. However, his most unforgettable role would be 'Angrezon ke zamaane ka jailer' in Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 blockbuster Sholay.

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.