"He had the most legendary comic timing."
In sad news, the veteran actor Asrani passed away from a long-term illness on October 20, 2025. He was 84 years old.
Born Govardhan Asrani on January 1, 1941, the actor starred in over 350 Bollywood films over five decades.
He began his film career with Hum Kahan Ja Rahe Hain (1966), as a college student.
Asrani also acted in over 25 films which had Rajesh Khanna in the lead role.
Such movies included Bawarchi (1972), Namak Haraam (1973), and Aap Ki Kasam (1974).
He was known for his collaborations with the legendary director, Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
Mukherjee directed the actor in films including Abhimaan (1973), Chupke Chupke (1975), and Mili (1975).
Asrani was famous for his role as the Jailor in Sholay (1975).
Although a minor character, Asrani delivered iconic lines in a role that was inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s impersonation of Adolf Hitler in The Great Dictator (1940).
Asrani was also a skilled director and had helmed movies including Udaan (1997), Salaam Memsaab (1979), and Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977).
In the 1970s, he tried his hand successfully as a playback singer, contributing to the soundtracks of Alaap (1977) and Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan (1978).
He was most famous for his comic timing and won two Filmfare Awards for ‘Best Performance in a Comic Role’ in the 1970s.
Several took to social media to condole Asrani’s death.
Akshay Kumar said: “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani Ji.
“We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. He was a lovely person.
“He had the most legendary comic timing.
“From all my cult films – Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome, and now our unreleased Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan, I had worked and learned so much from him.
“What an absolute loss to our industry. God bless you, Asrani Sir, for giving us a million reasons to laugh.”
Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bahot pyare insaan the…he had the most legendary comic timing. From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our… pic.twitter.com/yo7wXnGO1Z
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 20, 2025
The FTII added: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor, teacher, and distinguished FTII alumnus Mr Govardhan Asrani.
“Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Another user wrote: “Saddened to hear of the passing away of Govardhan Asrani, a star of 70s cinema.
“Can anyone forget the laugh-a-minute iconic jailor sequence in Sholay?”
“Or indeed his award winning performances in films like Chupke Chupke and Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar?
“A fine actor, he brought a smile to the faces of millions with his comic sequences that were less slapstick and often more about superb comic timing.”
Saddened to hear of the passing away of Govardhan Asrani, a star of 70s cinema. Can anyone forget the laugh a minute iconic jailor sequence in Sholay? Or indeed his award winning performances in films like Chupke Chupke and Aaj ki Taaza Khabar. A fine actor, he brought a smile to… pic.twitter.com/gYF85FyeNf
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 20, 2025
In 2019, Asrani also voiced Zazu in the Hindi-dubbed version of Jon Favreau’s The Lion King.
His passing undoubtedly marks the end of a truly comedic era in Indian cinema.
We pay tribute to Asrani – a mind-blowing actor, who leaves behind a glorious legacy.
Watch Asrani’s timeless Sholay scene:
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