Veteran actor Asrani passes away; aged 84

Celebrated Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, widely known simply as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on Monday afternoon at the age of 84. He had been admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu following respiratory complications. His manager, Babubhai Thiba, confirmed that water had accumulated in his lungs, and he died around 15:00.

Asrani’s final rites were performed the same evening at Santacruz Crematorium, in a quiet ceremony attended by close family and friends, in accordance with his wishes.

With a career spanning over five decades, Asrani became a beloved figure in Indian cinema, known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable roles in films such as ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, and ‘Abhimaan’.

Born in Jaipur, Asrani trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and appeared in over 350 films, leaving behind a legacy of humour, warmth, and versatility.