Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday mourned the death of veteran actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, calling him a “gifted entertainer” who brought joy to generations of cinema lovers. Asrani, who was known for his iconic roles in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Dhamaal, died on Monday at the age of 84 after battling age-related illnesses.
PM Modi Remembers Asrani’s Legacy
In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations. He particularly added joy and laughter to countless lives through his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian cinema will always be cherished. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Career Spanning Over Six Decades
Asrani’s cinematic journey began with the 1967 film Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan, and over the next 60 years, he featured in more than 300 films across genres. He delivered memorable performances in Anamika, Mere Apne, Abhimaan, Bawarchi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Dhamaal. Asrani is best remembered for his comical portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Sholay, with the iconic line “Hum Angrezon ke zamane ke jailer hain ha ha” becoming part of pop culture. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), he also acted in several Gujarati films as a lead actor. One of his last screen appearances was in Haiwaan, featuring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.
