Mumbai, October 20, 2025 — Veteran Bollywood actor and director, Govardhan Asrani, fondly known simply as Asrani, passed away today in Mumbai at the age of 84. The beloved comedian, whose career spanned over five decades and included more than 350 films, succumbed to a prolonged illness.
Key Details:
- Name: Govardhan Asrani (Asrani)
- Age: 84
- Date of Death: Monday, October 20, 2025
- Cause of Death: Prolonged illness (Reportedly admitted to a hospital due to fluid accumulation in the lungs)
- Time of Death: Approximately 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM IST
- Last Rites: Performed quietly on Monday evening at Santacruz Crematorium, Mumbai, as per the actor’s wishes to avoid a public spectacle.
- Survives: Wife, actress Manju Asrani, sister, and nephew.
A Shock to the Industry on Diwali:
The news of Asrani’s demise came as a profound shock to the film fraternity and his legions of fans, especially as it occurred on the day of Diwali. Poignantly, the actor had shared a Diwali greeting on his social media account just hours before his passing.
The Iconic Jailer and Comic Legend:
Asrani was best known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable character roles. His most iconic performance remains the eccentric, “British-era” Jailer in the 1975 blockbuster ‘Sholay’, a role that became an immortal part of Indian cinema’s pop culture.
His golden phase was the 1970s and 1980s, where he became one of the most bankable character actors, appearing in classics like:
- ‘Sholay’ (1975)
- ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975)
- ‘Bawarchi’ (1972)
- ‘Abhimaan’ (1973)
- ‘Namak Haraam’ (1973)
- ‘Chhoti Si Baat’ (1975)
- ‘Rafoo Chakkar’ (1975)
Career Highlights:
- Versatility: Beyond comedy, Asrani showcased his dramatic range and also took on lead roles in films like ‘Chala Murari Hero Banne’ (1977), which he also wrote and directed.
- Director: He directed a total of six films, including ‘Salaam Memsaab’ (1979).
- Training: He was an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, graduating in 1966. He also served as a director at FTII from 1988 to 1993.
- Regional Cinema: He was a popular lead actor in Gujarati cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Recent Work: He continued to work well into his later years, with appearances in recent films like Dream Girl 2 (2023).
The industry mourns the loss of a legend whose laughter and warmth defined an era of Indian cinema.
