Asrani dies at 84

Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asarani, known widely by his mononym Asrani, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 84.

According to his manager, as per The Times of India report, Asrani was hospitalised for breathing difficulties prior to his death (it became the cause of his death), and the final rites were conducted at the Santacruz crematorium in Mumbai.

Asrani was born on January 1, 1941 (or in early 1941 according to some sources) in Jaipur, in present-day Rajasthan.

He studied at St. Xavier’s School in Jaipur and later graduated from Rajasthan College. He pursued formal acting training at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune. 

His film career spanned more than five decades, covering over 350 Hindi films. 

One of his most enduring performances was the jailor in the 1975 film Sholay, delivering the memorable line “Hum angrezon ke zamane ke jailor hain.”

Asrani won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for the film Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar. 

In addition to his work in front of the camera, he also directed and produced several projects.

The actor’s passing comes after earlier instances of false death rumours. In July 2025, he was the subject of a well-documented death hoax that was debunked by fact-check agencies.

Industry figures and fans alike have begun to react to his demise, recognising the central place he occupied in Hindi cinema’s comedic circuit.