Veteran actor and comic legend Asrani dies at 84

Actor Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, known for his comic timings, died in Mumbai.

Transcript

00:00The man behind that laughter, Gowardhan Asrani, was much more than just the jailer of Sholev.

00:08He was a student of craft, a director, a Gujwadi theatre artist and one of Hindi cinema's most

00:14enduring comic faces. He passed away on October 20, 2025 in Mumbai at 84.

00:20For over five decades, Asrani shaped the language of Indian comedy.

00:24His voice, timing and expressions were instantly recognizable across generations.

00:29Born in Jaipur in 1941, he studied at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune

00:34before making his film debut in the late 1960s. Appearing in over 350 films including

00:40Bawarji, Abhiman, Chupke Chupke and Aaj Ki Taza Khabbar, he left a mark with subtle and memorable humor.

00:46In Shole, his jailer with clipped English and an exaggerated salute became iconic.

00:51Beyond comedy, he directed films like Challa Murari Hero Banne, acted in Gujarati cinema

01:00and worked in television well into later life. Married to actor Manju Asrani,

01:05he built a quiet life away from the spotlight. Even as Hindi cinema changed,

01:09Asrani remained a bridge between eras, his character reflecting an innocence rarely seen today.

01:14Long.

01:19�- training

01:24chapter 1

01:26Exiii

01:35E