Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, is an Indian actor and comedian known for his work in Hindi and Gujarati films.
Early Life & Background
- Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
- Studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he trained in acting.
Career Highlights
- Govardhan Asrani has appeared in over 350 films across multiple languages, primarily Hindi.
- Known for playing both comic and supporting roles in Bollywood.
- He gained immense popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with his unique style of comedy.
Iconic Roles
- Sholay (1975) – Played the iconic “Jailor”, famous for his exaggerated style and dialogue delivery.
- Chupke Chupke (1975) – Portrayed Prashant Kumar Srivastava, a role that showcased his comic timing.
- Bawarchi (1972) – Played the younger brother in this Rajesh Khanna-starrer.
- Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) – A memorable supporting role alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Rishi Kapoor.
- Khilona (1970) – One of his early breakthrough performances.
Later Career & Recent Work
- Continued acting in supporting and comedic roles in films like:
- Hera Pheri (2000)
- Hulchul (2004)
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
- Bol Bachchan (2012)
- Welcome Back (2015)
- Acted in several Gujarati films and TV serials as well.
Awards & Recognition
- Won multiple Filmfare Awards for Best Comedian.
- Honored for his contribution to Indian cinema over the decades.
Legacy
Asrani remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedians, known for his energetic performances and catchy dialogue delivery. His role as the jailor in Sholay continues to be an all-time favorite among movie fans.