Asrani, Sholay actor, dies at 84 in Mumbai

Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, widely known simply as Asrani, died in Mumbai on Monday, October 20, at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness, his family and manager said. His manager Babu Bhai Thiba said Asrani passed away at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu at about 3 p.m. on Monday. The actor’s nephew Anand Asrani confirmed the death and the family released a short statement on the actor’s Instagram page saying, Our beloved, the one who brought smiles to everyone’s faces, Asrani ji is no longer among us. Om Shanti. His final rites were held privately the same evening at Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai, attended by close family and friends in accordance with his wishes.

Asrani’s decline followed a period of ill health. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the actor had been admitted to hospital several days earlier with breathing problems and that accumulation of fluid in the lungs contributed to his death. Hours before he died, Asrani posted a Diwali greeting to fans on social media, prompting an emotional response when news of his passing emerged.

Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Asrani trained at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, graduating...