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Hours before his death on Diwali, Asrani shared a message to wish fans on the festival

Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, known for his roles in iconic films like Sholay and Bawarchi, passed away at 84 after a prolonged illness.

Updated on: Oct 21, 2025, 06:20:52 IST
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Veteran Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 84.

Asrani in a still from one of his films,
Asrani in a still from one of his films,

His last rites were held at the Santacruz Crematorium, attended by close family members.

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.”

Asrani's last post

In a poignant twist, the actor had shared a Diwali greeting on his Instagram Story earlier in the day, around 2pm, making the news of his passing even more heartbreaking for fans. However, it is likely his handle was kept updated by someone from his staff or family.

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.

The last post shared on Asrani's handle.

About Asrani

Among his many roles, his portrayal of the quirky jail warden in the 1975 classic Sholay remains an iconic part of Indian pop culture.

Asrani also explored writing and direction. In 1977, he wrote, directed, and starred in Chala Murari Hero Banne, which earned critical acclaim. He went on to direct Salaam Memsaab (1979) and worked extensively in Gujarati cinema, where he enjoyed equal popularity.

He is survived by his wife, Manju Asrani, his sister, and nephew. The couple had no children.

(With ANI inputs)

 
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Soumya Srivastava

Soumya Srivastava is the Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor at Hindustan Times, bringing over a decade of experience covering movies, celebrities, pop culture, and everything that feels current and compelling. With a sharp editorial lens and an instinct for what resonates, she writes stories that balance insight with accessibility — whether she’s reporting from a red carpet, reviewing a buzzy new release, or unpacking the craft behind cinema. An unabashed Swiftie and a devoted admirer of Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking, Soumya blends heart and analysis in equal measure. She holds a degree in English Literature from Janki Devi Memorial College, Delhi University, and is an alumna of IIMC Dhenkanal (2013). As a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Film Critic, her reviews reflect credibility, cultural awareness, and a nuanced understanding of storytelling across genres and formats. She has interviewed celebrities like Celine Song, Zoya Akhtar, Kajol, Shabana Azmi, Pankaj Tripathi and more. She has also reviwes hundreds of movies and written thousands of stories, made videos, special columns and more. While films remain her first love, Soumya’s interests extend deeply into lifestyle and design. She is particularly drawn to décor, thoughtfully designed spaces, and the subtle ways aesthetics influence everyday living. From celebrity homes and interior trends to broader lifestyle movements, she enjoys exploring how personal taste intersects with identity and modern culture. Her voice is informed yet relatable, analytical yet warm — making her work engaging for a wide and diverse readership. Through her writing, Soumya continues to shape conversations around entertainment, lifestyle, and contemporary culture.

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