Veteran Actor Govardhan Asrani Passes Away At 84; Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher And Others Mourn His Demise

Known for Sholay, veteran actor Govardhan Asrani passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84 after brief illness.

Govardhan Asrani, who endeared himself to audiences through his portrayal of the eccentric jailer in “Sholay” and many other memorable roles in over 300 films, passed away in a hospital on Monday (October 20, 2025). He was 84.

Govardhan Asrani Passed Away At 84 After Brief Illness

The actor, popularly known as Asrani in the industry, was celebrated for his impeccable comic timing in Hindi cinema, but fans most remember him for the role of the dictatorial jailer in “Sholay” who often mouths the dialogue “Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain”. His role in the 1975 film still evokes laughter all these years later. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar modelled the character after Charlie Chaplin in “The Great Dictator”.

Asrani’s Manager’s Statement

According to Asrani’s manager, Babubhai Thiba, the actor was admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in suburban Juhu four days ago. “He was a bit unwell. He was admitted following breathing issues and passed away today at 3:00 PM. We were told by the doctors that water had accumulated in his lungs,” Thiba told PTI.

His last rites were conducted this evening at Santacruz crematorium, attended by family and close friends. “We did not inform anyone about his demise as it was his wish that we should keep it a private matter,” Thiba added.

Bollywood Mourns Asrani’s Passing Away

Akshay Kumar

Penning a heartfelt note about his frequent co-star, Akshay Kumar wrote, “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of ‘Haiwaan’. Bahot pyare insaan the… He had the most legendary comic timing.”

Akshay Kumar mourn’s Asrani’s death

He added, “From all my cult films ‘Hera Pheri’ to ‘Bhagam Bhag’ to ‘De Dana Dan’, ‘Welcome’ and now our unreleased ‘Bhoot Bangla’ and ‘Haiwaan’…I had worked and learned so much from him. What an absolute loss to our industry. God bless you, Asrani Sir, for giving us a million reasons to laugh. Om Shanti.” Akshay also shared a picture with Asrani.

Kajol

Kajol took to her Instagram stories to share a video clip from The Trial that features her and Asrani in a court. While Kajol was seen as Noyonika Sengupta in the series, Asrani played Navroz Electricwala. In her message, Kajol wrote, “In shock as I heard this news. I’m sure #Asrani Ji is in a much better place now. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

Kajol pens emotional tribute to Asrani

Anupam Kher

The veteran actor 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!.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher)

Anees Bazmee

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who collaborated with Asrani on films like “Welcome” and “Singh is Kinng”, fondly recalled their on and off-screen relationship. “I’m deeply saddened. He was a fantastic actor and an equally great human being. It’s a treat to work with him; he would make us laugh off-screen as well, and on-screen, he has successfully entertained us. I’ve known him for 40 years. He had a trademark style in terms of how he would laugh, which no other actor could do. He was a versatile actor, but people know him more for his comedy. I’ll miss him a lot,” Bazmee told PTI.

Manoj Muntashir

Lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir expressed his grief over Asrani’s passing. “The jailer from the British era, you left behind an era of comedy! We will miss you a lot, Mr. Asrani! May God grant you a place at His feet! Om,” he wrote on X.

अंग्रेज़ों के ज़माने के जेलर, कॉमेडी का एक ज़माना अपने पीछे छोड़ गए!

बहुत याद आयेंगे आप असरानी सर!

ईश्वर अपने चरणों में स्थान दे! 🕉️शांति #Asrani pic.twitter.com/GWo3V2LwUL
— Manoj Muntashir Shukla (@manojmuntashir) October 20, 2025

Shikhar Dhawan

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan also shared his admiration, calling Asrani a “true icon” of Indian cinema. “Grew up watching the incredible comic timing and charisma of Asrani ji. A true icon of Indian cinema. His legacy will live on forever.”

Grew up watching the incredible comic timing and charisma of Asrani ji. A true icon of Indian cinema. His legacy will live on forever. My condolences to his family and fans. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oG1lukNpUC
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 20, 2025

Asrani’s Bollywood Career

Asrani worked with some of the biggest directors across each era of his five-decade-long career. He has collaborated with Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and many others. Though trained at FTII, Asrani was often pigeonholed into comedic roles, frequently playing the hero’s friend. He first gained notice for his role in Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and Chhoti Si Baat.

He began his Hindi cinema journey with the 1967 film Hare Kaanch Ki Churiyan. Hrishikesh Mukherjee was a mentor and guide to him. He also appeared in many of Gulzar’s films, such as Mere Apne, Koshish and Parichay. Other notable roles were Bawarchi, Abhimaan, Do Ladke Dono Kadke, and Bandish.

Chupke Chupke, Rafoo Chakkar, Balika Badhu, Heeralal Pannalal, and Pati Patni Aur Woh are also among the films where Asrani showcased his impeccable comic timing. In the 2000s, he teamed up with Priyadarshan for many of his comedy films, including Hera Pheri, Chup Chup Ke, Hulchul, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Jimmy Shergill’s Father Satyajit Shergill Passes Away At 90; Antim Ardas On October 14

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.