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Veteran actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, better known as simply Asrani, passed away on the evening of Monday, October 20, at the age of 84. He breathed his last at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, after being hospitalised for nearly five days due to health complications. Reports indicate that fluid had accumulated in his lungs, contributing to his deteriorating condition. His funeral was conducted the same evening at the Santacruz crematorium, in a quiet ceremony attended only by close family members. The news of his death, which came on the night of Diwali, left fans and the film industry in shock. A Final Message To Fans Just hours before his passing, Asrani had posted a Diwali greeting on his Instagram story, simply writing “Happy Diwali”. Given the recent false rumours surrounding his health, many fans initially dismissed Monday’s news as yet another hoax. However, upon checking his official social media, they were met with the tragic confirmation. A Quiet Farewell As Per His Wishes According to family sources, Asrani had expressed a desire for a quiet and dignified departure from this world. Despite his fame, he wished to be remembered as a common man. He had instructed his wife, Manju, to avoid any public commotion or media attention following his death. As a result, the funeral was held privately, and news of his passing was shared only after the cremation. A Career Spanning Over 5 Decades Asrani was one of Indian cinema’s most beloved comic actors, with a prolific career spanning more than five decades. He appeared in over 350 films, making his mark in both lead and supporting comedic roles. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, he entered the Hindi film industry in the mid-1960s. Though he initially took on serious roles, Asrani’s flair for comedy soon became his signature. During the 1970s and 1980s, he became a household name, known for portraying quirky, loveable characters — from bumbling clerks to eccentric assistants. Among his most memorable roles was the jailer in Sholay, a hilarious parody of Hitler that remains iconic to this day. He also starred in classics such as Chupke Chupke, Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, and Chala Murari Hero Banne. Multilingual Contributions Asrani’s talent extended beyond Hindi cinema. He acted in several Gujarati and Rajasthani films and even directed a few projects in Hindi and Gujarati. Over the years, he shared screen space with legends like Mehmood, Rajesh Khanna, and later Govinda, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn among others, becoming a cherished figure in both comedic and dramatic roles. Govardhan Asrani leaves behind a rich legacy of laughter and unforgettable performances — a true pillar of Indian cinema who will be deeply missed.
