Hema Malini remembers Asrani, says his Sholay role was `simply mind blowing`

Asrani, who passed away at the age of 84 on Monday, appeared in more than 300 films and became one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved actors. His demise has deeply saddened his admirers and colleagues from the industry. Actress Hema Malini, who has worked with Asrani in multiple films, expressed her grief over the legendary actor’s passing. She noted that the industry was already mourning the demise of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer when they had to face another grave loss.

Hema Malini remembers Asrani

Hema Malini took to her X handle on Tuesday and praised Asrani`s talent. "We have lost one more gem of an actor. Asrani ji who has regaled audiences with his superb comedy, is no more. He has done many memorable roles in movies with me but but his role as jailor in Sholay was simply mind blowing," she wrote sharing an old picture of her and Asrani.

She added, "The film industry, already in shock with the passing of Pankaj Dheer, now has to contend with one more severe loss.  Heartfelt condolences to his family who have to bear this heavy loss". 

We have lost one more gem of an actor. Asrani ji who has regaled audiences with his superb comedy, is no more. He has done many memorable roles in movies with me but but his role as jailor in Sholay was simply mind blowing!
The film industry, already in shock with the passing of… pic.twitter.com/zSNpz21tm0 — Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) October 21, 2025

Why Asrani had a quiet farewell? 

Veteran actor and comedian Asrani`s longtime manager revealed that the Sholay actor had wished to leave the world quietly, like a common man, hence his family revealed the legendary actor`s death only after performing the last rites.

Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani passed away on October 20 at the age of 84, and the news became public only after his family had already performed the last rites, leaving even members of the film industry unaware of his demise until after the cremation.

Speaking to ANI, Babu Bhai Theeba, Asrani`s longtime manager, revealed that the Sholay actor had wished to leave the world quietly, like a common man.

"Asrani sahab had told me and his wife Manju that he`s a very simple person who wished to leave this world like a common man. He did not want anything extravagant, unlike the farewells usually accorded to film stars. `The way I have lived quietly and simply, that is also how I wish to depart,` he had said. That was why we conducted his last rites privately," shared Babu Bhai Theeba.

Asrani, aged 84, had been unwell for some time. According to Theeba, the veteran actor was admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu four days ago before his demise.