Prayagraj/Mumbai,

21 Oct (HS): “For more than five decades, one familiar face in Hindi cinema has

been a constant source of joy — Govardhan Asrani, lovingly known as Asrani Ji.

On 20 October 2025, at the age of 84, he breathed his last in Mumbai, marking

the end of an era,” says lyricist and script writer in Bollywood Shaami M.

Irfan from Mumbai. He was speaking to journalisits during his visit to

Prayagraj on Tuesday.

“His immortal line as the “Jailer from the British era” in

Sholay made him a household name. That brief appearance became one of the most

iconic comic moments in Indian cinema. For Asrani, humour was never just about

laughter — it was a reflection of life itself. From Chupke Chupke and Chhoti Si

Baat to Balika Badhu, Pati Patni Aur Woh and Rafu Chakkar, he created

characters that lived on beyond the screen. He won two Filmfare Awards for Best

Comedian — for Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1974) and Balika Badhu (1977),” he added.

“Born on 1 January 1941 in Sukkur (then in British India, now in

Pakistan) and raised in Jaipur, Asrani showed an early fascination with acting.

After graduating from Rajasthan College, he trained at the Film and Television

Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. His debut came in 1967 with Hare Kaanch Ki

Choodiyan, followed by Satyakam and Mere Apne, which established him as a

promising character actor. Soon, directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar,

and Basu Chatterjee made him a regular part of their creative worlds.

His friendship and onscreen chemistry with superstar Rajesh

Khanna became legendary. The two worked together in 25 films, including

Bawarchi, Namak Haraam, and Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein. In Gujarati cinema too,

Asrani achieved great success with films like Amdavad No Rickshawalo. As a

filmmaker, he wrote and directed Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977), a

semi-autobiographical comedy that reflected both his humour and humility,” he

remarked.

“Even in changing times, Asrani remained relevant. From the

1990s onwards, he adapted seamlessly to new styles of comedy, appearing in

blockbusters such as Hera Pheri, Dhamaal, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, and Bol

Bachchan. In 2016, he appeared in the web series Permanent Roommates, winning

over a whole new generation of viewers. Off-screen, Asrani was known for his

humility and warmth. He shared his life and many film credits with his wife,

actress Manju Asrani. Simplicity defined both his art and his character. Before

two week in his final public appearance in Ujjain, he told the audience,

“Laughter is the exercise of the soul.” Perhaps that was the essence of his art

— to heal the world through a smile. Asrani’s

passing is not merely the loss of a comedian, but the fading of a time when

humour carried grace and compassion. He showed that laughter is timeless, a

universal language of humanity. And somewhere, in the echoes of his famous line

— “Hum Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain” — it feels as though he still stands

guard over our smiles. Govardhan Asrani (1941–2025): An actor, director, and

eternal optimist — whose laughter will forever echo in the heart of Indian

cinema.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi