Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, known for his comic roles in films like Sholay and Bawarchi, passed away at age 84 after a prolonged illness, hours after posting Diwali greetings on Instagram, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Asrani died on Monday at 3 p.m. at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu. His manager, Babu Bhai Thiba, confirmed the death to ANI, stating that Asrani is survived by his wife, Manju Asrani, his sister, and nephew. The last rites were conducted at the Santacruz Crematorium, attended by close family members.
The actor had shared a Diwali message on his Instagram Story around 2 p.m. that day, likely updated by staff or family. Asrani appeared in over 350 films across five decades, starting in the 1960s and gaining prominence in the 1970s. His notable roles included the quirky jail warden in Sholay, as well as performances in Mere Apne, Koshish, Parichay, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, Chhoti Si Baat, Rafoo Chakkar, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhamaal, Bunty Aur Babli 2, R… Rajkumar, All The Best, and Welcome.
Asrani also worked as a writer and director, helming Chala Murari Hero Banne in 1977 and Salaam Memsaab in 1979. He enjoyed popularity in Gujarati cinema as well. The couple had no children.
The Chenab Times News Desk