Asrani’s last wish: Wife Manju Asrani keeps his passing private, funeral held quietly on Diwali

Bollywood lost one of its brightest smiles this Diwali. Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known simply as ‘Asrani’, passed away on Monday afternoon at the age of 84.

The actor, who had been struggling with health issues for some time, breathed his last at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu. His long-time manager, Babubhai Thiba, confirmed the news saying, “Asrani ji passed away at 3 PM. He is survived by his wife, sister, and nephew.”

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In keeping with his last wish, the family chose to say goodbye quietly. His wife, Manju Asrani, fulfilled his request to keep the news private and avoid any public commotion. His final rites were performed late Monday night at Santacruz Crematorium attended only by close friends and family. There were no cameras, no crowd.

In a bittersweet coincidence, hours before his passing, Asrani had shared a warm Diwali greeting on his Instagram story.

Also Read: PM Modi pays tribute to Asrani, says his performances brought laughter to countless lives

Over the years Asrani became a household name not just for his comic timing but also for his ability to bring heart and sincerity to every character. His journey began in the 1960s but the 1970s were truly his era.

From ‘Mere Apne’ and ‘Bawarchi’ to ‘Parichay’ and ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, Asrani added his signature charm to every role. His portrayal of the eccentric jailor in ‘Sholay’ with the unforgettable line “Hum Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailor hai” remains one of Indian cinema’s most iconic comic lines.

Beyond acting, Asrani was a storyteller at heart. In 1977, he wrote, directed, and starred in ‘Chala Murari Hero Banne’. It is a semi-autobiographical film that earned critical appreciation. He continued to explore direction with ‘Salaam Memsaab’ (1979) and was also deeply respected in Gujarati cinema.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, recalling Asrani’s remarkable contribution to cinema and the joy he brought to countless homes. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. His humour and talent brightened our lives for decades,” the Prime Minister wrote.