Film Veteran Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, died on October 20 after suffering from prolonged illness. He was 84. His family shared a message on Instagram feed.
The post read, "Our beloved, the one who brought smiles to everyone's faces, Asrani ji is no longer among us. His passing is an irreparable loss for both Hindi cinema and our hearts. The indelible mark he left through his performances will remain eternal. May God grant peace to his soul. Om Shanti."
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who worked with Asrani in films including Sholay, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, and Namak Haram, remembered him as a "most talented colleague".
Asrani also played a crucial role in introducing Amitabh Bachchan's wife Jaya Bachchan, then Jaya Bhaduri, to movies. They both studied in FTII.
"We lose another .. Asrani Sir , a most talented colleague, a tutor to Jaya at the Film Institute .. sudden and saddening .. prayers," Bachchan wrote on his blog.
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, also an alumnus of Pune's Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) where Asrani also studied, said she is devastated by the news of his death.
"Asrani sir was our diction teacher at the Film Institute and the way he spoke was very beautiful. Nobody in this time even knows that diction is also a thing and I am very, very sorry to hear this. It is a loss that the whole of India will bear for a long time," she told PTI.
Akshay Kumar shared a happy picture with the film veteran and wrote, "Speechless with grief at the passing of Asraniji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bohat pyare insaan the... he had the most legendary comic timing."
Akshay Kumar and Asrani worked in films like Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag, and De Dana Dan. They have collaborated in upcoming films like Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan.
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, posted never-before-seen images of the late actor. The caption read, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor, teacher, and distinguished FTII alumnus Mr. Govardhan Asrani".
"An artist whose craft, humour, and humanity left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. From his years at FTII, where he honed the craft of performance, to his generous role as a mentor and teacher to aspiring actors, his legacy is woven into the fabric of our institute and Indian cinema alike," the caption further read.
Boman Irani remembered that he got the chance to work with Asrani ji only 10 days ago. He shared how the actor needed help in the dark to navigate a crowded set, "the magical word 'action' had another meaning for him," he wrote.
Anupam Kher also condoled his death and wrote, "Dearest #AsraniJi! Thank you for making the world a better place to be in with your persona!! On and off screen! We will miss you in physical form! But cinema and your ability to make people laugh will keep you alive for years to come! Om Shanti."
Farhan Akhtar also paid tribute to the veteran actor on social media. "Saddened to learn that Asrani ji is no longer with us. His energy, exuberance and enthusiasm lit up the screen and he was equally as warm, witty and loving off it. Deepest condolences to his family. RIP," he wrote.
Singer-composer Adnan Sami mourned his death and wrote a long emotional message. It read, "I had the honour of working & spending time with him when I requested him to appear in my music video of 'Lift Karade' & I too wanted him to reenact his legendary 'Jailor' character for which he generously agreed. He was so committed that he made sure that every aspect of his getup was from the original makers of the Sholay Movie- i.e The Wig, Moustache & Uniform."
I am so saddened to learn about the passing of our dearest legend Asrani ji. A man who was a genius of his craft & an artistic treasure.
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) October 20, 2025
Although people will always remember him for his incredible comedy but he was a man of all seasons & styles. His dramatic roles were equally… pic.twitter.com/XTlzS5cxmG
Actor Kangana Ranaut also mourned the death of Asrani. "Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji was not only an artist but seemed like a part of all our lives and growing up years he was almost a family member through his lively roles and playful characters, he displayed great emotional depth along with impeccable comic timing. You will be missed Asrani Ji, Om Shanti," she wrote.
Kangana Ranaut posted an image of Asrani on Instagram, and wrote, "You will be missed"
Photo Credit: Kangana Ranaut/ Instagram
Veteran actor Asrani will always be remembered for portraying the dictatorial jailer in Sholay as it was a role he was born to play, says director Ramesh Sippy.
Condoling the death of the actor on Monday at the age of 84, the Sholay director said Asrani seemed "absolutely fine" when they recently met. "It (demise) feels sudden... He did a lot of work but this, stands out. I will long long remember him. It's a role he was born to play. But saying all this on a day like this doesn't feel good. It feels maybe that's the best way to remember him," Sippy told PTI in an interview.
Asrani's character in the movie, which turned 50 this August, was modelled after Charlie Chaplin in "The Great Dictator". Sholay was penned by writer duo Salim Khan and Javed Akthar.
Sippy said he first worked with Asrani in Seeta Aur Geeta and he was impressed with the way the actor performed his scene.
"Then Sholay came up and this part was written by Salim-Javed and they discussed it with me. We all thought Asrani would be the right person. We called him, discussed it with him. He was very happy to come and do this role. He was part of the creation of that character," Sippy recalled.
The filmmaker praised Asrani for playing the character of the jailor in the most "natural" way.
"He played it naturally; it was like he was born to play the role. Hitler is the most popular person, about whom books are written, stories have been told, the whole world's attention was on him because of the way he conducted himself, the killings that took place.
"But a comic look at it (Hitler) was (great idea)... He worked so well that people till today remember it. This character will never be forgotten," the 78-year-old director said.
Sippy said the character was beautifully written by Salim-Javed and he and Asrani managed to strike the perfect note during the shoot.
"Salim-Javed had a way with words and this became a catch line, and it got caught on very well because of the caricature that he was... We didn't know how many people will understand it. It was improvised and the shape in which it came out seemed to be the right form," he said.
"The way the four of us managed to bring out the character, then actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra ji in it, all together, it made the whole sequence unforgettable. The character is loud because the comedy is loud," he added.
Also Read | Asrani Wanted To Keep His Last Rites Private: "We Didn't Inform Anyone, It Was His Wish"
