Asrani asked wife not to announce death news, family had a quiet funeral on Diwali; PM Modi pays tribute: ‘He entertained audiences across generations’

According to India TV, Asrani’s manager Babubhai Thiba revealed the actor was ailing for some time. He also didn’t want any commotion after his death and asked wife Manju Asrani not to announce the news publicly. That’s why his funeral was attended only by family and close friends, and the news was announced only later.

Asrani’s last rites were performed intimately in the presence of close family members.
(Photo: ANI)

Asrani passed away in Juhu on Monday afternoon.
(Photo: ANI)

PM Narendra Modi took to X to share a condolence message on the passing of the actor, he wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations. He particularly added joy and laughter to countless lives through his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian cinema will always be cherished. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations. He particularly added joy and laughter to countless lives through his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2025

The industry has also expressed profound grief over his demise. Akshay Kumar, who shared the screen with Asrani in several Priyadarshan comedies including Bhagam Bhaag, Khatta Meetha, and De Dana Dan, paid an emotional tribute. As fate would have it, Asrani’s final film, Haiwaan, also features Akshay Kumar, and is directed by Priyadarshan.

In his condolence post on X, Akshay wrote, “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bohot pyare insaan the (he was a lovely person)…he had the most legendary comic timing. From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our unreleased Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan…I had worked and learned so much from him. What an absolute loss to our industry. God bless you Asrani Sir, for giving us a million reasons to laugh. Om Shanti.”

Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bohot pyare insaan the…he had the most legendary comic timing. From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our… pic.twitter.com/yo7wXnGO1Z

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 20, 2025

Anupam Kher also remembered the late actor, writing, “Dearest #AsraniJi! Thank you for making the world a better place to be in with your persona!! On and off screen! We will miss you in physical form! But cinema and your ability to make people laugh will keep you alive for years to come! Om Shanti.”

Dearest #AsraniJi! Thank you for making the world a better place to be in with your persona!! On and off screen! We will miss you in physical form! But cinema and your ability to make people laugh will keep you alive for years to come! Om Shanti! 💔💔💔🕉 pic.twitter.com/eTXZlgPd1V

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 20, 2025

Singer-composer Adnan Sami recalled working with Asrani in his music video Lift Karade: “I had the honour of working & spending time with him when I requested him to appear in my music video of ‘Lift Karade’ & I too wanted him to re-enact his legendary ‘Jailor’ character for which he generously agreed. He was so committed that he made sure that every aspect of his getup was from the original makers of the Sholay Movie – i.e. The Wig, Moustache & Uniform.”

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who worked with Asrani on Welcome, told PTI, “I’m deeply saddened. He was a fantastic actor and an equally great human being. It’s a treat to work with him, he would make us laugh off-screen as well, on-screen he has successfully entertained us. I’ve known him for 40 years. He had a trademark style in terms of how he would laugh, and that no other actor could do it. He was a versatile actor but people know him more so for his comedy. I’ll miss him a lot.”

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Lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir wrote, “The jailer from the British era, you left behind an era of comedy! We will miss you a lot, Mr. Asrani! May God grant you a place at His feet! Om.” Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan remembered him as a “true icon” of Indian cinema: “Grew up watching the incredible comic timing and charisma of Asrani ji. A true icon of Indian cinema. His legacy will live on forever.”

Grew up watching the incredible comic timing and charisma of Asrani ji. A true icon of Indian cinema. His legacy will live on forever. My condolences to his family and fans. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oG1lukNpUC

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 20, 2025

Actor Ali Asgar wrote, “A legend of laughter and timeless grace has taken his final bow. People die but legends live forever. His Laughter will echo Forever. RIP Asrani Sir.”

A legend of laughter and timeless grace has taken his final bow…People die but legends live forever..His Laughter will echo Forever..RIP Asrani Sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LuEc0K5wAL

— Ali Asgar (@kingaliasgar) October 20, 2025

Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia also added on his X account, “The Angrez ke jamane ka Jailor has moved on! Thank you for the Movies you gave us #Asrani Ji. Om Shanti.”

The Angrez ke jamane ka Jailor has moved on ! 🙏🏽 Thank you for the Movies you gave us #Asrani Ji. Om Shanti.

— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) October 20, 2025

Across a career spanning more than 350 films, Asrani left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Sholay remains one of the most iconic performances in Hindi film history. He also worked memorably with Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee in classics like Chhoti Si Baat and Abhimaan.

Asrani passed away at 3 p.m. on Monday at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu and his funeral was held on Diwali evening. He is survived by his wife, sister, and nephew.