PM Modi joins Bollywood celebrities in mourning legendary Asrani

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, describing him as a “gifted entertainer” whose versatility brought joy to generations of audiences.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Modi said that Asrani “added joy and laughter to countless lives through his unforgettable performances,” and that his contribution to Indian cinema “will always be cherished.”

Veteran Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and iconic portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Sholay, passed away at the age of 84 in a Mumbai hospital on Monday, his manager confirmed. The actor’s death came just hours after he posted Diwali greetings on social media.

Actors including Akshay Kumar, Rajpal Yadav, Kajol and many others took to X to pay tributes to the deceased actor.

With a prolific career spanning over five decades, Asrani appeared in more than 350 films, earning acclaim for his versatility across comedy and character roles in both Hindi and Gujarati cinema. Known for his effortless humour and memorable expressions, he was regarded as one of the finest comic talents in Indian film history.

Though his family has not disclosed the cause of death, Indian media reported that the actor had been suffering from age-related health complications.

Asrani’s illustrious filmography includes classics like Khatta Meetha, Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag, Awara Paagal Deewana, De Dana Dan, Dhol and Welcome. His performances left an enduring impact on generations of audiences and defined the golden era of Hindi film comedy.

Tributes poured in from across the film industry and beyond, with fans remembering Asrani as a legend who brought joy and laughter to millions through his timeless performances.