Veteran Actor Asrani Passes Away at 84, Hours After Posting Final Diwali Greeting

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
• Oct 20, 2025
• 579

Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away on October 20 afternoon in Mumbai following a prolonged illness. He was 84.

The acclaimed actor breathed his last at 3 PM at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, where he had been undergoing treatment. His manager Babu Bhai Thiba confirmed the news to the media. The last rites were performed at Santacruz Crematorium in the presence of family members and close associates.

What made his passing even more poignant was that just hours before his death, Asrani had posted a Diwali greeting on Instagram—his final message to fans who had admired him for decades.

Over a career spanning more than five decades and 350 films, Asrani became one of Indian cinema’s most beloved comic actors. Rising to fame in the 1970s, he delivered unforgettable performances in classics like Mere Apne, Koshish, Bawarchi, Chupke Chupke, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rafoo Chakkar.

His portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 masterpiece Sholay remains an indelible part of Indian pop culture — his quirky tone and dialogue delivery still quoted generations later.

Asrani also ventured into filmmaking, writing and directing Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977) and Salaam Memsaab (1979). A prominent figure in Gujarati cinema as well, he was admired for his versatility and warmth both on and off screen.

He is survived by his wife, actress Manju Asrani, his sister, and nephew. The couple had no children.