'A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist': PM Modi mourns Asrani's death

Asrani passed away at the age of 84.

The Prime Minister wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations.

"He particularly added joy and laughter to countless lives through his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian cinema will always be cherished. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

Asrani, who gained acclaim for his performance in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, where his quirky one-liner and impeccable comic timing made his jailer character unforgettable, also starred in the 1973 Amitabh-Jaya starrer Abhimaan directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

He acted in over 350 films in a career spanning more than five decades.

Asrani: A Versatile Comic Genius of Indian Cinema

Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, into a middle-class Sindhi family, Asrani grew up far from the world of show business. His father owned a carpet shop, but Asrani showed little interest in joining the family trade.

He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School and graduated from Rajasthan College, Jaipur. To support his education, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio (AIR), Jaipur.

Between 1960 and 1962, Asrani trained in acting under Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar, before enrolling at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1964, a decision that would shape his film career.

Asrani made his Bollywood debut with the 1967 film Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan, in which he played the friend of actor Biswajeet. Around the same time, he also appeared as a lead actor in several Gujarati films, marking the start of a long and prolific career.

Over the decades, Asrani became one of Indian cinema’s most beloved character actors, known for his impeccable comic timing and expressive performances.

His portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Sholay (1975) remains one of the most iconic comedic roles in Bollywood history.

He also delivered memorable performances in films directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and B.R. Chopra, showcasing his versatility across genres- from lighthearted comedy to nuanced character roles.