Today marks what would have been the 85th birth anniversary of veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani. Although he passed away on October 20, 2025, his legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances, which brought laughter, warmth, and relatability to Indian cinema.
More than just a comedian, Asrani was a versatile actor whose journey reflected resilience, humility, and an undying love for the craft.
From FTII to the big screen
Asrani graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1966, carrying big dreams but little certainty. His first break in Hindi films came with Biswajeet’s Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan (1967). A small role followed in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Satyakam (1969), which quietly shaped his path ahead. During this phase, he also worked in a few Gujarati films as a lead actor. Life in Mumbai, however, was far from easy. To survive, Asrani even took up a job as an instructor at FTII, balancing teaching with auditions and minor roles, never giving up on his dream.
The moment that changed everything
Asrani later appeared in the late Dharmendra and Jaya Bachchan starrer, Guddi (1971), in a brief yet meaningful role of a small-town boy who dreams of becoming a hero but ends up as a crestfallen junior artiste. The role mirrored the reality of countless aspiring actors and struck a chord with audiences.
Recalling his bond with Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Asrani once shared an emotional anecdote. He said, “Hrishida gave me money to travel first class from Pune to Mumbai for the shooting of Guddi. Then, until Jurmana (1979), he included me in all his films. During his last days, when I visited him at the hospital, he wrote, ‘Asrani Mukherji’ on a piece of paper and gave it to me. Hrishida meant to say, ‘You’re like a son to me’.”
The legendary career of Asrani
Over a career spanning five decades, Asrani appeared in over 350 films, becoming a household name with iconic roles in Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Bawarchi, Abhimaan, and later comedies like Dhamaal. His comic timing was effortless, yet he could slip into emotional and character-driven roles with equal ease, leaving audiences with moments they still cherish.
Ikkis: A fitting final tribute
One of the last films featuring Asrani was the war drama Ikkis, released recently. The film also marks the final appearance of Dharmendra, another towering figure in Indian cinema who passed away shortly before Asrani. Fans of both stars see Ikkis as a poignant farewell, a final opportunity to witness two legends delivering powerful performances that resonate long after the credits roll.
More about Asrani
Asrani passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema. His death left a void that can never truly be filled. Yet through Ikkis and other final films like Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, his legacy continues to reach audiences, reminding everyone of the joy and wisdom he brought on screen.