Asrani

Veteran Actor Asrani: A Five-Decade Bollywood Journey Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, is a prominent figure in Indian cinema, boasting a career spanning over five decades. His extensive filmography comprises over 350 Hindi films, showcasing his versatility across lead, character, comedic, and supporting roles. He is particularly recognized for his memorable portrayal of the jailer in the iconic Sholay and his collaborations with Rajesh Khanna, featuring in over 25 films alongside the superstar between 1972 and 1991. Asrani's career trajectory is marked by a remarkable range. From comedic roles that defined a significant part of Hindi cinema between 1966 and 2013, to supporting roles as a close friend to the leading hero (1972-1994), his contributions are diverse. He even took on leading roles in films like Chala Murari Hero Banne and Salaam Memsaab. Beyond Bollywood, Asrani also enjoyed a successful run in Gujarati cinema, playing lead roles from 1972 to 1984, before transitioning to character roles until 2012. His multifaceted career also includes directing six films between 1974 and 1997. While recent acting projects are not widely publicized, his legacy as a prolific and versatile performer remains firmly established in Indian cinema.