Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on Monday. He was 84. The actor, celebrated for his work in over 300 films, reportedly breathed his last at Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, where he had been admitted for four days ago due to breathing issues.According to his manager Babubhai Thiba, “He was a bit unwell. He was admitted following breathing issues. He passed away today at 3:00 PM. We were told by the doctors that water had accumulated in his lungs.”
Asrani’s funeral pics shared online
Asrani’s funeral and final rites were held at 8pm at the Santacruz crematorium. The ceremony was a private affair, attended only by close family and friends. “We did not inform anyone about his demise as it was his wish that we should keep it a private thing,” Thiba added.However, shortly after news broke about his passing, photos of his family gathered at the cermatorium were shared online.
Celebs mourn Asrani’s demise
News of his sudden demise came shortly after the actor shared his Diwali greetings on his Instagram Story early the same afternoon.Tributes poured in from fans, actors and film industry insiders, who took to social media to fondly remember the star known for his comic timing.Actor Akshay Kumar, who frequently collaborated with Asrani, shared a heartfelt note on social media, “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs a week back at the shoot of ‘Haiwaan’. Bahot 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 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.”Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who directed Asrani in ‘Welcome’ and ‘Singh Is Kinng’, fondly remembered their decades-long association.“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. I’ve known him for 40 years. He had a trademark style of laughing that no one else could do. I’ll miss him a lot,” Bazmee told PTI.Lyricist Manoj Muntashir also paid tribute in a tweet that read, “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.”Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan remembered Asrani as a “true icon” of Indian cinema, saying, “Grew up watching the incredible comic timing and charisma of Asrani ji. A true icon of Indian cinema. His legacy will live on forever.”Offering his condolences, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Asrani was synonymous with wholesome entertainment. His passing is a major loss to the film industry. His performances, whether in comic, stylish or content-driven roles, always struck a chord with audiences. His demise is a great loss to Hindi cinema, his admirers, and his family. We share their grief and pray that God gives them the strength to bear this loss.”Asrani is survived by his wife, actress Manju Asrani, his sister, and nephew. The couple had no children.
