Legendary Indian actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, has passed away at the age of 84. He died on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged illness, which included respiratory complications .
Asrani was a beloved figure in Hindi cinema, renowned for his impeccable comic timing and memorable performances in over 350 films spanning five decades. He gained iconic status for his portrayal of the eccentric jailer in the 1975 classic Sholay, delivering the unforgettable line, “Hum angrezon ke zamane ke jailor hain,” which became part of Bollywood folklore .
His career also included notable roles in films like Mere Apne, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, Guddi, and Golmaal. Asrani collaborated with prominent actors such as Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan and worked with acclaimed directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Priyadarshan . Beyond acting, he directed six films and was honored with two Filmfare Awards for Best Comedian.
His family confirmed that his last rites were performed at Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai, attended by close relatives and friends. Tributes have poured in from across the film industry, with colleagues like Akshay Kumar and Anees Bazmee remembering his comic brilliance and contributions to Indian cinema .
Asrani’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian comedy, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and cherished memories for generations of moviegoers.