Mumbai: Legendary Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away at the age of 84 in Mumbai on Monday after a prolonged illness.
According to family sources, the veteran actor had been battling age-related health complications for the past few weeks. His final rites were performed at the Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai, attended by close relatives and friends from the film fraternity.
Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Asrani began his cinematic journey in the 1960s and went on to appear in over 350 films, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his impeccable comic timing and versatile performances.
He is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of the eccentric jailer in the 1975 classic Sholay, a role that remains one of the most memorable comic characters in Bollywood history.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Asrani worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Dharmendra. His contribution to both comedy and character acting has earned him immense respect and admiration from fans and colleagues alike.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation as celebrities, filmmakers, and fans mourn the loss of a true legend who brought laughter and joy to millions.
“A golden era of comedy comes to an end,” wrote one admirer on social media, reflecting the collective grief of the film industry and audiences alike.
