Hema Malini says Asrani was a ‘gem of an actor’, calls his role as jailor in Sholay ‘simply mind blowing’

Hema Malini has penned a touching tribute on the demise of veteran actor Asrani, who also starred in the iconic film Sholay.

Updated on: Oct 21, 2025, 21:05:49 IST

By Santanu Das

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Hema Malini is mourning the loss of her Sholay co-star Asrani. The veteran actor died on Monday at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. Hema shared a throwback picture with the late actor and penned a tribute for him on her X account on Tuesday evening. (Also read: Salman Khan mourns veteran actor Asrani's death, calls him ‘a true legend of laughter’)

Hema Malini and Asrani starred in the cult classic film Sholay.

Hema Malini's tribute

Hema shared a picture with Asrani, in which the two of them smiled and posed for a picture together. Asrani played the role of the jailer in Sholay, while Hema Malini played Basanti.

In the caption, Hema wrote, “We have lost one more gem of an actor. Asrani ji who has regaled audiences with his superb comedy, is no more. He has done many memorable roles in movies with me but but his role as jailor in Sholay was simply mind blowing!”

She went on to add, “The film industry, already in shock with the passing of Pankaj Dheer, now has to contend with one more severe loss. Heartfelt condolences to his family who have to bear this heavy loss (folded hands emoticon).”

More details

Asrani’s manager, Babu Bhai Thiba, told ANI, “Asrani passed away today at 3 PM at Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu. He is survived by his wife, sister, and nephew.”

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Asrani became one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved faces. Known for his impeccable comic timing and expressive performances, he appeared in over 350 films. Among his many roles, his portrayal of the jail warden in the 1975 classic Sholay remains an iconic part of Indian pop culture. In recent times, he featured in projects such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhamaal, Bunty Aur Babli 2, R... Rajkumar, All The Best, and Welcome. He is survived by his wife, Manju Asrani, his sister, and nephew. The couple had no children.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Santanu Das
Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’. A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own. Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience. Find him on LinkedIn: santanudasfilm Instagram: @santupechaRead More

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