Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani (lovingly known as Asrani) passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Asrani was not just a comedian. He was an artist who could turn the simplest scene into something memorable. His comic timing, expressive face and relatable humour made him one of the most loved stars across generations.
Over a career that lasted more than six decades, Asrani acted in over 300 films in different languages. From the golden 1970s to the 2000s, his charm remained constant. Let’s look back at five unforgettable scenes that remind us why Asrani will always be remembered.
5 Iconic Roles/Scenes Of Late Actor Govardhan Asrani
1. The Iconic Jailer in Sholay (1975)
No tribute to Asrani is complete without mentioning Sholay. His short yet powerful role as the eccentric jailer is legendary. Dressed in a British-era uniform, he delivered the unforgettable line, “Hum Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain.”
The scene became one of the funniest moments in Indian cinema. Even with stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra leading the film, Asrani made his presence unforgettable.
2. The Suave Rival in Chhoti Si Baat (1976)
In Chhoti Si Baat, Asrani played Nagesh Shastri (a charming, confident rival who creates trouble for the hero’s love story). His wit and style made the character stand out. He was funny without trying too hard and his dialogue delivery was perfect. The film’s light tone and humour worked so well partly because of Asrani’s effortless performance.
3. The Witty Friend in Chupke Chupke (1975)
In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Chupke Chupke, Asrani once again proved his versatility. With a star cast including Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, he still managed to shine. His friendly presence, comic timing, and natural expressions added to the film’s charm. Asrani wasn’t just a side character, but a part of what made the film such a timeless comedy.
4. The Bank Manager in Hera Pheri (2000)
Asrani continued to impress even in the new millennium. In Hera Pheri, he played a frustrated bank manager dealing with the chaos created by Raju, Shyam, and Baburao. His exasperated expressions and sarcastic reactions gave the film some of its funniest moments. His dry humour balanced the loud comedy, showing how sharp his timing still was.
5. The Loyal Murari in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
For younger audiences, Asrani’s role as Murari in Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a reminder of his brilliance. Surrounded by a fresh cast, he still held his own. His comic expressions and sharp dialogue delivery made the film even more entertaining. It proved that Asrani’s charm could never fade
Asrani’s final journey ended quietly at the Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai in the presence of his loved ones and industry colleagues. Tributes poured in from actors, directors and fans across generations
From Sholay to Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Govardhan Asrani proved that laughter has no expiry date. He will be remembered for his roles forever. Even though he is gone, fans will get to see him in Akshay Kumar’s upcoming Horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla.
