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‘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, Asrani died at 84 in Mumbai after a long illness.

5 min readMumbai, PuneUpdated: Oct 22, 2025 03:54 AM IST

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

With the passing away of Govardhan Asrani on Monday, Indian cinema lost a fine actor who could essay a range of fascinating characters.

Known by his screen name Asrani, he was popular for playing aspiring actor Kundan in Guddi (1971), a music composer who copies western tunes in Bawarchi (1972), a sensible manager to Amitabh Bachchan’s character in Abhimaan (1973) and a goofy jailor in Sholay (1975).

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Alaka Sahani

Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism. Expertise & Accolades In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023. Global Industry Leadership Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies: Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema. Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends. Focus & Vision Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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