Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, who passed away yesterday in Mumbai, was one of those rare stars who could make you laugh just with a look. Over a career spanning more than five decades and 400-plus films, he didn’t just act, he became the very face of comedy in Indian cinema.
Asrani’s journey in Bollywood
Asrani’s journey wasn’t easy. He started with small roles and struggled to make his mark in Bollywood, but his expressive acting, and perfect comic timing won everyone’s heart and attention. Whether it was comedy, drama, or even serious roles, he could do it all.
Here we have listed ten of his most iconic films that show why Asrani’s laughter legacy will live on forever:
Asrani’s most iconic roles we will never forget
Sholay (1975): Everyone knows this one! Asrani played the famous Jailer, and even though it was a small role, it became legendary. His line, “Hum Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain,” is still quoted today. He made the bossy little jailer hilarious, turning a side role into a classic.
Chupke Chupke (1975): A comedy about mistaken identities, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Asrani was clever and witty, making the story even funnier. His smart dialogues and natural reactions still make people laugh.
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977): A big blockbuster with a star-studded cast, but Asrani stood out. His funny supporting role added extra energy to the already crazy film.
Namak Halaal (1982): In this musical comedy, Asrani was known for his funny expressions, quirky body language, and witty lines that stole the show many times.
Baazigar (1993): Even in this serious thriller, Asrani made the audience smile. His comic touch gave a light break from the tension, showing how flexible he was.
Taqdeerwala (1995): A 90s comedy classic! Asrani and Kader Khan made magic together. Their funny back-and-forth kept audiences laughing throughout the fantasy-action story.
Hera Pheri (2000) and Dhamaal (2007): Asrani’s comedy not only made everyone laugh in classics but in modern films too. In these movies, his supporting roles brought laughs and stole the show even though there were actors like Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and other famous names.
Baghban (2003): In the film Baghban (2003), Asrani portrayed Mr. Bedi, a bank employee and close friend to the lead character, Raj Malhotra (played by Amitabh Bachchan). His role, though brief, added a touch of warmth and relatability to the story. While Baghban is mostly remembered for its emotional family story, Asrani’s role as Mr. Bedi made his character truly memorable.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007): In Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Asrani played the role of Murari, a loyal staff member in the haunted house. He made people laugh even in scary moments and left a mark with his performance.
Bol Bachchan (2012): Even late in his career, Asrani’s comic skills stole the show. His witty dialogues and expressive mannerisms made him stand out, adding his unique humour.