Kathmandu: Veteran Indian actor Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, has passed away at the age of 84 after a brief illness, BBC Hindi reported. He died at a hospital in Mumbai on Monday, his manager confirmed.
With a career spanning over five decades, Asrani appeared in more than 300 films, earning fame for his comic roles. His portrayal of the eccentric jailer in the 1975 classic Sholay remains one of his most iconic performances.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, describing him as a “gifted entertainer” who “brought joy and laughter to countless lives.”
Born in Rajasthan in 1941, Asrani began his career at All India Radio before training at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). His versatile performances ranged from lighthearted comedies like Chupke Chupke and Pati Patni Aur Woh to serious roles in Koshish and Chaitali.
Director Ramesh Sippy said Asrani’s “jailer” character was the role he was “born to play.” Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar and Adnan Sami also expressed grief, calling his death an “irreparable loss” to Indian cinema.
His final rites were performed in Mumbai on Monday in the presence of family and close friends.