Dad used to sell carpets, he studied by day and worked as voice artist by night: Asrani once revealed how Indira Gandhi helped him find work

Bollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most adored actors, Govardhan Asrani, who passed away on October 20 at the age of 84. Fondly remembered simply as Asrani, he brought laughter to generations of moviegoers with his impeccable timing and unforgettable performances, leaving behind a legacy that few can match. His manager, Babu Bhai Theeba, confirmed the news to ANI, stating that the veteran actor passed away at 3 PM at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu. His cremation took place later that evening at Santacruz crematorium via electric cremation.

Asrani's journey to fame

Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur into a middle-class Sindhi family, Asrani grew up in modest circumstances. His father ran a carpet business, but the young Asrani was drawn to the performing arts rather than the family trade. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School and graduated from Rajasthan College, all while supporting himself by working as a voice artist at All India Radio in Jaipur. Even as he balanced studies and work, his passion for acting remained unwavering.


His journey into cinema began in earnest when he trained under Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar from 1960 to 1962 and later joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune in 1964. It was this rigorous training that laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in both Hindi and Gujarati cinema.

How Indira Gandhi helped Asrani's career?

Asrani made his film debut in 1967 with Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan, playing the friend of actor Biswajeet. He later appeared as a lead in several Gujarati films before cementing his place in Hindi cinema, eventually appearing in over 350 films. His performances, particularly in comic roles, became iconic, with audiences remembering his expressions, timing, and natural flair for humour.

Despite his formal training, Asrani’s early years in Mumbai were challenging. In a candid chat with Bollywood Thikana, he once opened about the struggling for two years to find acting work, even with an FTII certificate in hand. He shared how Indira Gandhi, then Information & Broadcasting Minister, intervened after he and other young actors approached her in Pune.

She reportedly advised producers to hire FTII graduates, which led to his breakthrough role in Guddi, alongside Jaya Bhaduri, marking a turning point in his career and helping open doors for trained actors in the industry.

Mentored by legendary filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Asrani also gave back to the acting community by returning to FTII as a professor, guiding aspiring actors while continuing his prolific film career. His contributions extended beyond entertainment, inspiring generations of performers with both his craft and his perseverance.

Asrani is survived by his wife, Manju Asrani, his sister, and a nephew. The couple had no children. His passing marks the end of an era in Bollywood comedy, but his work will continue to bring smiles and laughter to audiences for decades to come.