‘Not just a comedian’: From Sholay’s goofy jailer to ‘full swagger’ in ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, experts talk about Asrani’s range

A veteran of more than 300 films spanning over five decades, he died at 84 in Mumbai after a long illness.

Film historian and author Balaji Vittal believes Asrani was a great artiste and “not just a comedian”. Unpacking Asrani’s much-loved character Nagesh in Basu Chatterjee’s Chhoti Si Baat (1975), Vittal says: “He is full of swagger initially. His body language changes when his cockiness is replaced with insecurity as Prabha (Vidya Sinha) falls in love with his rival Arun Pradeep (Amol Palekar). He handles this transition so well with hurried looks and anxiety.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday led tributes to him, remembering him as a versatile artist who entertained audiences across generations.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations,” PM Modi said in a post on X. “He particularly added joy and laughter to countless lives through his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian cinema will always be cherished.”

Recalling his childhood days when Sholay used to be screened during the Ganesh festival every year, writer-director Akshay Indikar says that though he was mesmerised by every character in the movie, it is the jailor who stayed in his heart forever. “Govardhan Asrani ji’s ability to bring humour, honesty and humanity to every role was unmatched. Whenever I feel low, my favourite thing is to revisit scenes of him from different films. My younger sister and I used to mimic all the scenes from Hera Pheri (2000). He and Paresh Rawal created pure magic together.”

Indikar says Asrani gave dignity to every character he played, “never letting them slip into caricature”.

Writer-director Hardik Mehta had approached Asrani to play a part of an actor-turned-acting teacher in his debut feature Kaamyaab (2018). Even though the actor declined it, Mehta says few actors can shift from comedy to drama to emotion. “You can see that range when you look at his filmography. He belongs to the breed of actors who were versatile despite being categorised as a supporting actor.” “Before Johnny Lever entered the scene, it was Asrani saab who could offer something entertaining irrespective of what’s the mood of the film. When you know he is part of a movie’s cast, you are assured that it will be fun. He will do something that the audience will engage with and be entertained by,” says Mehta.

Asrani, who graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in 1966, also dabbled with direction, which received mixed response.

It was eminent filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee who inspired him to join the FTII. The institute said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor, teacher, and distinguished FTII alumnus Mr. Govardhan Asrani. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”

FTII Director Dhiraj Singh paid tribute on Tuesday the way the late performer would have appreciated — by directing attention to a “playlist of Asrani Sir’s FTII films”. The link that Singh shared gave viewers free access to such hidden gems as Masoom, a 1964 student production in which Asrani plays a dreamy postman who has to deliver a telegram at a wedding ceremony. In Search of God, a 1965 film, has Asrani among a motley group of characters — a mad preacher, two drunkards, a beggar, a little boy and an old woman — who are pursuing a mirage of a deity who will save them.

By drawing attention to the films, Singh offered a glimpse into some of the influences that built Asrani’s formidable talent.

At FTII, Asrani got a chance to act for Adoor Gopalkrishnan in a student film and Ritwik Ghatak in a staff film that was designed to train the students.

The actor had spoken about the difficult journey that followed his FTII days. He struggled in Bollywood and, ultimately, returned to FTII to teach and make ends meet. Once again, FTII proved to be a turning point. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who was a guest faculty member at FTII, contacted Asrani because he wanted to cast another student, Jaya Bhaduri, now Bachchan, in a film, Guddi. Asrani not only introduced Mukherjee and Bhaduri but also auditioned for a part in Guddi. Both Bhaduri and Asrani were cast in the film, cementing their place in film history.

Asrani himself had recounted this incident in an interview, albeit with a twist. He had said that he had been trying hard to find work in films for two years. “Indira Gandhi, then the I&B Minister, came to FTII and we complained to her about how nobody was giving us a chance. She came to Mumbai and spoke to producers about us. It was after that that film started to come in for us. Jaya Bhaduri and I were cast in Guddi,” he said.