Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, has passed away at the age of 84 after a long illness. His nephew Ashok Asrani confirmed that the actor died around 4 PM on Sunday.
Who was Govardhan Asrani?
In Hindi films, Asrani was known for his comic timing and friendly on-screen presence. From 1966 to 2013, he appeared in many comedy roles and often played the hero’s close friend between 1972 and 1994. He also played lead roles in a few films such as Chala Murari Hero Banne and Salaam Memsaab. In Gujarati cinema, he acted as the lead from 1972 to 1984 and later took on character roles until 2012. He also directed six films between 1974 and 1997.
Some of his best performances as a supporting actor came in films like Mere Apne, Koshish, Bawarchi, Parichay, Abhimaan, and Bandish. His film Chala Murari Hero Banne, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, was loved by both critics and audiences.
During the 1970s, Asrani became one of Hindi cinema’s top comedians with memorable roles in Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, Chhoti Si Baat, Rafoo Chakkar, Balika Badhu, Sholay, and Pati Patni Aur Woh. He also experimented with serious and unusual roles like playing a villain in Koshish, a double role in Bidaai, and a romantic character in Nikaah.
Asrani shared a close friendship with Rajesh Khanna, appearing in 25 films with him. He also worked with top filmmakers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, B.R. Chopra, Basu Chatterjee, and D. Ramanaidu.
He won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian twice for Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1974) and Balika Badhu (1977).
In the 1990s, he continued entertaining audiences with roles in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Gardish, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Hero Hindustani. In the 2000s, he was part of hit comedies like Hera Pheri, Hulchul, Chup Chup Ke, Malamaal Weekly, and Bhagam Bhag.
Even as his screen time reduced after 2009, Asrani remained a beloved face in Bollywood, remembered for his humour, warmth, and versatility.
Also Read: Veteran Bollywood Actor Asrani Passes Away at 84 After Prolonged Illness
