October 20 : Veteran Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday at the age of 84. Born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, during the British era, Asrani appeared in more than 350 films over a prolific career spanning five decades.
The beloved comedian, who rose to fame with Mere Apne in the early 1970s, had been battling age-related ailments. Just hours before his passing, he had shared Diwali greetings with fans on social media.
His last rites were performed at the Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai, attended by family members. News agency ANI shared images from the ceremony on social media.
Asrani carved a special place in Indian cinema with his unforgettable portrayal of the eccentric, Hitler-inspired jailer in the 1975 classic Sholay, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. Despite limited screen time, his performance—and the iconic line, “Hum Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain”—remain etched in the hearts of audiences.
