Javed Akhtar remembers Sholay actor Asrani: ‘Fame harmed his acting career’

It’s heartbreaking that on Monday, as the country was in a jubilant mood celebrating Diwali, the man who made us chuckle and laugh over the years, through his comic acts, was no longer with us. Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, better known by his mononym Asrani, passed away on October 20 in Mumbai. Confirming the news to mid-day on late Monday evening, his personal assistant Babubhai said, “Asrani sahab was admitted to Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu four days ago. He passed away between 3.00 and 3.30 pm today. His funeral is done.”

In a career spanning over five decades, Asrani gave Hindi cinema many memorable characters, most iconic among them being his quirky jailor act in Sholay (1975). 

Javed Akhtar and Asrani

As mid-day reached out to Javed Akhtar, who had written the action drama along with Salim Khan, the veteran screenwriter shared, “He was an extremely versatile actor. He achieved tremendous fame for the jailor’s role in Sholay, but at the same time, it harmed his acting career too. That became his image. Asrani had such a range of acting; I can never forget his dialogues in Bawarchi.”

Asrani’s command over his craft implied that he shone in supporting roles — as the able manager in Abhimaan (1973), or the street-smart guy in Chhoti Si Baat (1975).

Sholay director Ramesh Sippy remembered Asrani as someone who was “very easy to direct”. “He became the character so naturally. He had worked with me earlier in Seeta Aur Geeta for a cameo, and we thought he deserved another chance because he did that scene so well. He was 10 times better [in Sholay]. We will miss a great human being and a fine talent,” he said.