Asrani Birthday Special: A Versatile Legend Who Worked in Over 400 Films and Redefined Comedy in Indian Cinema

Asrani was one of those Bollywood actors who mesmerized audiences with his comedy for nearly five decades. While he was best known for his comic roles, he also proved his versatility by portraying serious and negative characters in several films. Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Govardhan Asrani dreamed of becoming an actor from a very young age—and he successfully turned that dream into reality. On October 20, 2025, he bid farewell to this world.

On his birth anniversary, let’s take a look at some interesting anecdotes from his life…

In 1963, carrying the dream of becoming an actor, Asrani arrived in Mumbai. There, he met filmmakers like Kishore Sahu and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who advised him to enroll at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. After completing his acting course at FTII in 1966, Asrani returned to Mumbai.

He began his film career in 1967 with Hare Kanch Ki Choodiyan. During this period, he also worked in a few Gujarati films. In 1971, the film Mere Apne helped him gain initial recognition.

The 1973 film Abhimaan proved to be a turning point in his career and helped him establish his identity in the film industry. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Abhimaan featured Asrani as Amitabh Bachchan’s friend. His powerful performance earned him a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The 1975 blockbuster Sholay became a milestone in Asrani’s cinematic journey. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film featured Asrani in the iconic role of a jailer. His dialogue—“Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain”—remains unforgettable even today.

In 1977, Asrani stepped into film direction with Chala Murari Hero Banne, in which he also played the lead role opposite Bindya Goswami. Packed with comedy, the film was widely appreciated by audiences. Following its success, Asrani went on to direct films like Salaam Memsaab, Hum Nahin Sudhrenge, Dil Hi To Hai, and Udaan. Over the course of his career, he was honored twice with the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian.

Asrani worked with all the legendary actors of his era. He appeared in around 25 films with superstar Rajesh Khanna and shared the screen with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in several films as well.

A popular anecdote about Asrani is still narrated in Jaipur’s local folklore. During his youth, Asrani was cycling with a friend on MI Road when they stopped near a cinema hall. Spotting a poster of actor Meharban, Asrani said to his friend, “One day, my poster will be up here too.” Just a few months later, his wish came true—the poster of his debut film Hare Kanch Ki Choodiyan was displayed outside the same theatre. Though his presence on the poster was small, sharing screen space with legends like Biswajeet, Helen, Naina Sahu, and Rajendra Nath was a moment of immense pride for him.

Over his illustrious career, Asrani showcased his talent in nearly 400 films. Whether it was Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhol, or Dhamaal, he won hearts with his performances. That is why, with his passing, cinema has lost its laughter-filled jailer. The man who gave comedy a unique identity on screen is now far away from us—but what remain are his unforgettable memories and the timeless characters that will forever live on in the hearts of audiences.