Asrani Celebrates Diwali With Heartfelt Message Hours Before His Passing

Govardhan Asrani, a veteran actor and comedian renowned for his performances in classics like *Sholay* and *Bawarchi*, has sadly passed away at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness.

His last rites were conducted at the Santacruz Crematorium, with close family members present.

Asrani’s manager, Babu Bhai Thiba, reported that he passed away at approximately 3 PM in Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu. He is survived by his wife, sister, and nephew.

Asrani’s Final Message

In an emotional moment, just hours before his passing, Asrani shared a Diwali greeting on his Instagram account. This heartfelt message has deeply resonated with his fans, amplifying the sorrow of his untimely departure. It’s likely that a family member or staff member maintained his social media presence.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning over fifty years, Asrani became a cherished figure in Hindi cinema. His work includes more than 350 films, where he showcased exceptional comedic timing and vivid performances.

A Glimpse into Asrani’s Life

Asrani began his acting journey in the 1960s, gaining significant popularity during the 1970s as a dependable character actor. He is widely recognized for his performances in memorable films such as *Mere Apne*, *Koshish*, *Bawarchi*, and *Rafoo Chakkar*. His role as the eccentric jail warden in the legendary film *Sholay* remains a quintessential part of Indian cinema.

In addition to acting, Asrani dipped his toes into writing and directing. He penned, directed, and starred in the acclaimed film *Chala Murari Hero Banne* in 1977. Asrani continued to direct projects like *Salaam Memsaab* and made significant contributions to Gujarati cinema, where he found equal admiration.

Survived by his wife, Manju, his sister, and nephew, Asrani leaves behind a lasting legacy in Bollywood.