Web Desk: Legendary Indian actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, who was was a meme face to many social media users, passed away on Monday at the age of 84 following a prolonged illness. One of his iconic Dialogues “Ye Kiya Dekhna Par Raha hai, Acha Ha Mein Andha Hoon” is frequently used in memes. His death was confirmed by his nephew, Ashok Asrani. The veteran actor breathed his last around 3:30 PM at Mumbai’s Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital. His final rites were conducted the same day at the Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai.
Asrani’s passing comes as a profound shock to fans and the entertainment industry, especially as it occurred just hours after he shared a heartfelt Diwali greeting on social media. His final Instagram Story featuring glowing diyas and the message “Happy Diwali,” now stands as his last public communication.
Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur into a Sindhi Hindu family, Asrani’s career in cinema spanned over five decades, during which he acted in more than 350 films across Hindi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani cinema. A graduate of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, he rose to prominence in the early 1970s and quickly became a beloved figure in Indian comedy.
Comic Icon of Indian Cinema
Asrani was renowned for his brilliant comic timing, expressive face, and ability to bring warmth to every role. His unforgettable portrayal of the bumbling jailor parodying Hitler in the classic “Sholay” (1975) remains etched in the annals of Indian film history. His line, “Hum Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain,” became a part of pop culture and is still quoted decades later.
Though comedy was his forte, Asrani also proved his versatility with critically acclaimed roles in films such as “Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar”, “Chhoti Si Baat”, and “Chupke Chupke”. He shared the screen with legends like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, and Akshay Kumar, among others.
His later years saw him appear in successful films like “Hera Pheri”, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa”, and “Dhamaal”, cementing his relevance across generations. His last film appearance was in “Dream Girl 2” (2023).
Cause of Death
According to Asrani’s long-time personal assistant, Babubhai, the actor had been admitted to the hospital four days ago due to fluid accumulation in his lungs. His family, respecting his wishes, chose to keep the funeral private and low-key. “He told his wife not to make his death an event,” said Babubhai. A prayer meeting is expected to be held in the coming days, and a family statement is awaited.
Asrani is survived by his wife; actress Manju Asrani and their son.
End of an Era
With Asrani’s passing, Indian cinema bids farewell to one of its brightest comedic talents — a performer who brought joy, laughter, and sincerity to the screen for over half a century. His legacy will live on in the countless characters he brought to life and the millions of hearts he touched.
