Govardhan Asrani (born 1 January 1941), known popularly by mononym Asrani, is an Indian actor and director whose

Bollywood Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, is primarily produced in Mumbai. The popular term Bollywood is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (former name of Mumbai) and "Cinema of the United States, Hollywood". The in ...

career has spanned over five decades. He has acted in over 350

Hindi Modern Standard Hindi (, ), commonly referred to as Hindi, is the Standard language, standardised variety of the Hindustani language written in the Devanagari script. It is an official language of India, official language of the Government ...

films. Asrani has played the lead roles, character roles, comedic roles and supporting roles. He is best known for his role in ''

Sholay ''Sholay'' (, ) is a 1975 Indian epic action-adventure film directed by Ramesh Sippy, produced by his father G. P. Sippy, and written by Salim–Javed. The film is about two criminals, Veeru (Dharmendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bachchan), hired ...

'' as a jailer and characters he played in 25 films with

Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. Considered as one of the greatest and most successful actors in the history of Indian cinema, h ...

in lead role between 1972 and 1991. In Hindi films, he played several comic roles from 1966 to 2013 and played a supporting actor's role as the close friend of the lead hero in many films between 1972 and 1994. In a few Hindi films like '' Chala Murari Hero Banne'' and '' Salaam Memsaab'', he played the main lead hero. In Gujarati films he played the lead hero from 1972 to 1984 and played character roles from 1985 to 2012. He also directed six films between 1974 and 1997.

Early life

Asrani was born into a middle-class,

Sindhi Hindu Sindhi Hindus are ethnic Sindhis who practice Hinduism and are native to the Sindh region of the Indian subcontinent. They are spread across modern-day Sindh, Pakistan and India. After the partition of India in 1947, many Sindhi Hindus were amo ...

family in

Jaipur Jaipur (; , ) is the List of state and union territory capitals in India, capital and the List of cities and towns in Rajasthan, largest city of the north-western States and union territories of India, Indian state of Rajasthan. , the city had ...

. His father opened a carpet shop. He has four sisters and three brothers: two elder and one younger. Asrani was uninterested in business and weak in mathematics. He completed his matriculation from St. Xaviers School and did his graduation from Rajasthan College, Jaipur. He simultaneously worked as a voice artist at

All India Radio All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani (), is India's state-owned public broadcasting, public radio broadcaster. Founded in 1936, it operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India), Ministry of Information and Broa ...

, Jaipur, to pay for his education. He married actress Manju Bansal, with whom he fell in love while working together in films like ''

Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar ('')'' is a 1973 Indian comedy film directed by Rajendra Bhatia. Its stars Kiran Kumar and Radha Saluja. This film was adapted from a Gujarati play and later remade in Marathi as '' Pheka Pheki'' (1989) and in Hindi as ''Golmaal Returns'' ( ...

'' and . After they wed, the couple acted in ''

Tapasya Tapas (Sanskrit: तपस्, romanized: tapas) is a variety of austere spiritual meditation practices in Indian religions. In Jainism, it means asceticism (austerities, body mortification); in Buddhism, it denotes spiritual practices includin ...

'', ''

Chandi Sona is a 1977 Indian Hindi-language film. Directed and produced by Sanjay Khan, the film stars Sanjay Khan, Parveen Babi, Premnath, Pran, Ranjeet, Danny Denzongpa, Asrani, Paintal, Kamini Kaushal, Iftekhar and Raj Kapoor (in a special appea ...

'', ''

Jaan-E-Bahaar ''Jaan-E-Bahaar'' is a 1979 Bollywood film directed by Prakash Kapoor. Cast *G. Asrani *Manju Asrani as Mona *Bhagwan (actor), Bhagwan *Jagdeep as Mithailal (Rai's Manager) *Kanhaiyalal (actor), Kanhaiyalal *Pinchoo Kapoor as Mr. Rai ...

'', '' Jurmana'', '' Nalayak'', ''

Sarkari Mehmaan ''Sarkari Mehmaan'' is a 1979 Bollywood crime film drama directed by N. D. Kothari. The film stars Vinod Khanna and Jasmin in lead roles. Plot Police inspector Anand is very honest, he is known for his honesty, diligence and bravery. He singl ...

'', Narad Vivah and '' Chor Sipahee''. In ''

'', Asrani played Champak Boomia / Amit Desai and Manju played Kesari Desai. For this role Asrani won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. Later the couple acted in ''Hum Nahin Sudhrenge'', a home production directed by Asrani in 1980.

Career

He began to learn acting from Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar from 1960 to 1962.Govardhan Asrani: Sindhi Comedian: Biography: Filmography of Asrani: Film Fare Award: Sholey
. Thesindhuworld.com. In 1962, he travelled to Mumbai to seek opportunities to act. In 1963, on an accidental meeting with

Kishore Sahu Kishore Sahu (22 November 1915 – 22 August 1980) was an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, and film producer, producer. He appeared in 22 films between 1937 and 1980, and he directed 20 films between 1942 and 1974. His directorial ven ...

and

Hrishikesh Mukherjee Hrishikesh Mukherjee (30 September 1922 – 27 August 2006) was an Indian film director, editor and writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema. Popularly known as ''Hrishi-da'', he directed 42 films during his car ...

, they advised him to learn acting professionally. In 1964 Asrani joined the Film Institute in

Pune Pune ( ; , ISO 15919, ISO: ), previously spelled in English as Poona (List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1978), is a city in the state of Maharashtra in the Deccan Plateau, Deccan plateau in Western ...

and finished his course in 1966. He got his first break in Hindi films playing the friend of actor Biswajeet in the film ''Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan'' in 1967. In the film institute he had impressed many and made his acting break as a hero in 1967 with a Gujarati movie opposite budding actress Waheeda (not Waheeda Rahman; the Hindi actress). He acted in four other movies, mainly as actor or supporting actor, in Gujarati from 1967 to 1969. He did not get many offers from the Hindi film industry between 1967 and 1969. His old advisor,

, then gave him the role of supporting actor in the film '' Satyakam'' in 1969. He got noticed then in the film '' Mere Apne''. From 1971, he started getting more offers as the main comedian in films or as the close friend of the lead actor. Directors like Mukherjee, Atma Ram, and

Gulzar Gulzar (born Sampooran Singh Kalra; 18 August 1934) is an Indian Urdu poetry, Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of greatest Urdu poets of this era. He starte ...

repeatedly cast him in the period 1971–1974, and his work got noticed through these films. These roles set the tone for a number of supporting and comic roles in his career. In the 1970s his demand was at its peak as he appeared in 101 films from 1970 to 1979. Though initially

and Asrani had met only on the sets of ''

Bawarchi ''Bawarchi'' (translation: ''The Chef'') is a 1972 Indian Hindi-language musical comedy drama film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and produced by Mukherjee himself along with N.C. Sippy and Romu N. Sippy. Released in India on 7 July 1972, the ...

'', they became close friends after ''

Namak Haraam () is a 1973 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The music is by R. D. Burman, the screenplay by Gulzar, and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The film stars Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. It also stars Rekha, As ...

'', after which for the role of comedian Khanna insisted the producers and directors make Asrani part of his films. Asrani worked in 25 films with Khanna from 1972 to 1991, from ''

'' (1972) to '' Ghar Parivaar'' (1991). His most memorable works as supporting actor from 1970 to 1979 are in '' Mere Apne'', ''

Koshish ''Koshish'' () is a 1972 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama movie starring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri, written and directed by Gulzar. The movie depicts a deaf and mute couple and their conflicts, pain and struggle to carve out a niche for ...

'', ''Bawarchi'', '' Parichay'', '' Abhimaan'', '' Mehbooba'', '' Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein'', '' Do Ladke Dono Kadke'' and ''

Bandish Bandish, cheez or gat is a fixed, melodic composition in Hindustani vocal or instrumental music. It is set in a specific raga, performed with rhythmic accompaniment by a tabla or pakhawaj, a steady drone, and melodic accompaniment by a sarangi, ...

''. He played the lead hero in '' Chala Murari Hero Banne'', a Hindi film he wrote and directed in 1977, which was critically acclaimed. His notable roles as a comedian from the 1970s are in ''

'', ''

Roti Roti is a round flatbread originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is commonly consumed in many South Asian, Southeast Asian, Caribbean, East African, and Southeast African countries. It is made from stoneground whole-wheat flour, kno ...

'', '' Prem Nagar'', '' Chupke Chupke'', ''

Chhoti Si Baat ''Chhoti Si Baat'' (translation: ''A Small Matter'') is a 1975 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Basu Chatterjee. Considered one of the best Hindi comedy films of the 1970s, it is a nostalgic favourite for its quirky tak ...

'', '' Rafoo Chakkar'', ''

'', '' Balika Badhu'', ''

Fakira ''Fakira'' is a 1976 Indian Hindi-language crime action film produced by N.N. Sippy and directed by C.P. Dixit. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Asrani, Aruna Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Asit Sen, Ramesh Deo and Madan Puri. The mus ...

'', '' Anurodh'', '' Chhailla Babu'', ''

Charas Charas is a cannabis concentrate made from the resin of a live cannabis plant (''Cannabis sativa'' either ''Cannabis indica, ''Indica' subspecies or ''Sativa'' subspecies) and is handmade in the Indian subcontinent. The plant grows wild thr ...

'', ''

Phaansi ''Phaansi'' (ISO 15919: Phāṁsī ) is a 1978 Indian Hindi-language movie directed by Harmesh Malhotra. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Sulakshana Pandit, Pran and Ranjeet Ranjeet (born as Gopal Bedi; 12 September 1942) is an Indian ac ...

'', '' Dillagi'', '' Heeralal Pannalal'', '' Pati Patni Aur Woh'' and ''

Hamare Tumhare ''Hamare Tumhare'' is a 1979 Hindi movie, produced by F. C. Mehra and directed by Umesh Mehra. The film stars Sanjeev Kumar, Raakhee, Amjad Khan, Prem Krishen, David, Mehmood, Asrani, Anil Kapoor (In his film debut), Lucky Ali, and Amri ...

''. Though he had played the supporting character in many films, he played a serious role for the first time in ''

Khoon Pasina ''Khoon Pasina'' (, ''Blood and Sweat'') is a 1977 Hindi action crime film. The movie is produced by Baboo Mehra and directed by Rakesh Kumar. The movie stars Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Rekha, Nirupa Roy, Asrani, Aruna Irani, Bharat Bhu ...

''. He did off beat roles like that of the evil brother's role in Koshish (1972), the double role of a hippie and villager in LV Prasad's Bidaai (1974), a beedi and ganji sporting wastrel in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Chaitali (1975), a romantic in BR Chopra's Nikaah (1982) who sang a

qawwali Qawwali is a form of Sufi Islamic devotional singing originating in the Indian subcontinent. Originally performed at Sufi shrines throughout the Indian subcontinent, it is famous throughout Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and has ...

like yesteryear actor Yakub and played a pimp in KS Prakash Rao's Prem Nagar (1974).Later he played

antagonist An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the main enemy or rival of the protagonist and is often depicted as a villain.Ab Kya Hoga and

Teri Meherbaniyan ''Teri Meherbaniyan'' is a 1985 Indian Bollywood, Hindi film directed by Vijay (director) , Vijay Reddy and produced by K.C. Bokadia. Dog Brownie played a pivotal role while Jackie Shroff and Poonam Dhillon played the lead roles. The movie is ...

. He was hugely talked about in the 1970s and was one of

's close friends. He became a regular feature in films produced by D. Ramanaidu and those movies directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, B.R.Chopra,

K. Bapaiah Kovelamudi Bapayya is an Indian film director. He has directed about 80 films in Telugu and Hindi Modern Standard Hindi (, ), commonly referred to as Hindi, is the Standard language, standardised variety of the Hindustani language wr ...

, Narayana Rao Dasari, K. Raghavendra Rao,

Basu Chatterjee Basu Chatterjee (10 January 1927 – 4 June 2020) was an Indian film director and screenwriter in Hindi Cinema. Through the 1970s and 1980s, he became associated with what came to be known as middle cinema or middle-of-the-road cinema filmmaker ...

in 1972 to 1992. He won the Filmfare award for Best Comedian for his performances in ''

'' in 1974 and for '' Balika Badhu'' in 1977. In 1974, Asrani directed his first movie in Gujarati with himself as the hero, and the song "Hu Amdavad No Rikshawalo" sung by

Kishore Kumar Kishore Kumar (born Abhas Kumar Ganguly; ; 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian playback singer, musician and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of modern India ...

was picturised on Asrani. The songs picturised on Asrani and sung by Kishore in Hindi are "Achcha Chaloji Baba Maaf Kardo" from ''

'', "Pyar Main Karoonga" from ''Yeh Kaisa Insaaf''. "Mannu Bhai Motor Chali Pam" was sung by him with Kishore Kumar and was picturised on Rishi Kapoor and him, in '' Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan'' in 1978. In the 1980s, he acted in 107 Hindi films. Asrani holds the record for appearing as a character actor/comedian in the most Hindi films in a decade – 101 in the 1970s and 107 in the 1980s. Unlike his roles in 1970 to 1984 which were pivotal to the plot, most of his roles from 1985 to 1993 were very minor mainly because the concept of a comedian was being phased out and heroes preferred to do their own comedy and action films were more popular in the period from 1985 to 1994. In the 1980s his memorable performances were in '' Hamari Bahu Alka'', ''

Ek Hi Bhool ''Ek Hi Bhool'' () is a 1981 Indian Hindi-language drama film, produced by A. Purnachandra Rao under the Lakshmi Productions banner and directed by T. Rama Rao. The film stars Jeetendra and Rekha, with music composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal. I ...

'', ''Yeh Kaisa Insaf'', '' Kaamchor'', ''

Agar Tum Na Hote ''Agar Tum Na Hote'' () is a 1983 Indian Bollywood drama film directed by Lekh Tandon and starring Rajesh Khanna, Rekha and Raj Babbar in leading roles. Lekh Tandon received the Best Director Award for this film from the Filmfans Association o ...

'', '' Asha Jyoti'', '' Maqsad'', '' Main Intequam Loonga'', ''

Love 86 Love 86 (Hindi: लव Urdu: ) is a 1986 Bollywood romantic drama film directed by Esmayeel Shroff, starring Govinda, Neelam, Farha Naaz, Rohan Kapoor, and Tanuja. It was a remake of the 1982 Tamil film '' Ilanjodigal''. This was Govinda's D ...

'' and ''

Biwi Ho To Aisi ''Biwi Ho To Aisi'' () is a 1988 Bollywood film, directed and written by J. K. Bihari and starring Rekha, Farooq Sheikh and Bindu. The music was scored by Laxmikant–Pyarelal. The film marked the on-screen debut of Salman Khan and Renu Ar ...

''. In the films produced by South Indian production houses films and those directed by T. Rama Rao, K. Raghavendra Rao, K. Bapaiah, Narayana Rao Dasari, the trio of Asrani-Kader Khan-Shakti Kapoor were regular from 1982 to 1998 and boosted the popularity of the trio. In 1982, Asrani set up a small Gujarati production company with fellow artistes

Dinesh Hingoo Dinesh Hingoo (born 13 April 1940) is an Indian actor who played comic and supporting roles in Hindi films. He has appeared in over 300 films, from ''Taqdeer (1967)'' to ''Be Careful (film), Be Careful (2011)'', and is known for his laughter an ...

Harish Patel Harish Patel (; born 5 July 1953) is an Indian character actor. He has appeared in a variety of Hindi films, but in recent years has begun to appear in American projects like reimagination of ''Four Weddings and a Funeral'' on Hulu and the MCU ...

and Salim Parvez (son of famous supporting actor

Yunus Parvez Yunus Parvez (1931/1932 – 11 February 2007) was an Indian actor who played supporting roles in over 200 films from 1963 to the 2000s. He is best known for his roles in films like '' Garm Hava'' (1974), ''Deewaar'' (1975), '' Trishul'' (1978), ...

). The company dissolved in 1996 with a large profit. Asrani also invested mainly in cloth and acted as investor for other actors, until 1991 when he lost a lot of money. From 1988 to 1993, he was a director for the Film Institute in Pune. In the 1990s he did only 73 Hindi movies due to lack of good scope for him to perform. '' Muqabla'' (1993) saw him in a serious role after a long time. Simultaneously he kept working in Gujarati films in the 1970s and 1980s as a lead hero and achieved success as the lead protagonist in ''Amdavad No Rikshawalo'', ''Saat Qaidi'', ''Sansar Chakra'', ''Pankhi No Malo'', ''Jugal Jodi'', '' Maa Baap'', ''Chel Chabilo Gujarati''. From the 1990s he played as a comedian or supporting actor in Gujarati films like ''Mota Ghar Ni Vahu'', ''Piyu Gayo Pardesh'', and ''Baap Dhamal Dikhra''. D. Ramanaidu gave a pivotal role to Asrani in '' Taqdeerwala'' in 1995 and once again comedy movies were being made from there on. Asrani started getting good roles in films directed by David Dhawan and Priyadarshan from 1993 until 2012. His most memorable performances as a comedian from the 1990s are in '' Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar'', ''

Gardish ''Gardish'' () is a 1993 Indian Hindi-language action crime film written and directed by Priyadarshan, starring Jackie Shroff, Shammi Kapoor, Aishwarya, Dimple Kapadia and Amrish Puri. It is a remake of the 1989 Malayalam film '' Kireedam''. T ...

'', '' Taqdeerwala'', '' Gharwali Baharwali'', ''

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan Bade Miyan Chote Miyan ( in Hindi) may refer to these Indian films: * ''Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'' (1998 film), action film by David Dhawan, starring Govinda and Amitabh Bachhan * ''Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'' (2024 film), sci-fi action thriller film, ...

'' and ''

Hero Hindustani ''Hero Hindustani'' is a 1998 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Aziz Sejawal. It stars Arshad Warsi and Namrata Shirodkar in lead roles. It has screenplay by Yunus Sajawal and was written by Kader Khan. Plot Purushottam ...

''. The 2000s saw Asrani in a number of films like '' Hera Pheri'', ''

Chup Chup Ke ''Chup Chup Ke'' () is a 2006 Cinema of India, Indian Bollywood, Hindi-Hindi, language comedy drama film co-written and directed by Priyadarshan. The film stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Neha Dhupia, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Ya ...

'', '' Hulchul'', '' Deewane Huye Paagal'', ''

Garam Masala Garam masala (Hindustani language, Hindustani: ''garam masālā'', ) is a Spice mix, blend of ground spices originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is common in Indian cuisine, Indian, Pakistani cuisine, Pakistani, Nepalese cuisine, Nepale ...

'', '' Malamaal Weekly'', '' Bhagam Bhag'', ''

De Dana Dan ''De Dana Dan'' (''Hit Left and Right'') is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language comedy film directed by Priyadarshan. It is a partial adaptation of the Hollywood film '' Screwed''; some scenes were taken from the 2004 film '' Vettam'', directed by Priy ...

'', ''

Bol Bachchan ''Bol Bachchan'' is a 2012 Indian Hindi, Hindi-language action comedy film directed by Rohit Shetty and produced by Ajay Devgn and Dhillin Mehta under Ajay Devgn FFilms and Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Limited ...

'', and '' Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal''. He appeared in a serious role in '' Kyun Ki''. He was an integral part of comedies by

Sajid Nadiadwala Sajid Nadiadwala (born 18 February 1966) is an Indian film producer, film director and screenwriter who works in Hindi cinema. He is the owner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and the grandson of filmmaker A.K. Nadiadwala. Sajid has written ...

and

Priyadarshan Priyadarshan Soman Nair (born 30 January 1957) is an Indian film director and screenwriter. He has worked primarily in Malayalam cinema, Malayalam and Hindi cinema, Hindi cinema since 1982, directing over 90 films in multiple Indian languages, ...

after 2000. His screen space in the films of Rohit Shetty and others were reduced gradually after 2009. Asrani and

Mallika Sherawat Reema Lamba (born 24 October 1976), better known as Mallika Sherawat, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Hindi language films. Known for her bold onscreen portrayal in films like '' Khwahish'' (2003) and ''Murder'' (2004), Sheraw ...

were the judges of the 18th annual Naya Andaz competition on 17 April 2010, in

New Jersey New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...

. Asrani in 2018 played the role of Mikesh's grandfather in the popular web series '' Permanent Roommates'' and even appeared in advertisement in 2019. He also played the role of DGP Director general of police in the serial Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double. Asrani acted as

Narada Narada (, ), or Narada Muni, is a sage-divinity, famous in Hinduism, Hindu traditions as a travelling musician and storyteller, who carries news and enlightening wisdom. He is one of the Manasputra, mind-created children of Brahma, the creator ...

in the 1985 Doordarshan TV Serial Natkhat Narad. Some of his co-stars were Jayshree T. and

Vikram Gokhale Vikram Gokhale (14 November 1945 – 26 November 2022) was an Indian film, television and stage actor, noted for his roles in Marathi theatre, Hindi films and television. He was the son of the Veteran Marathi theatre and film actor, Chandrakan ...

Selected filmography

As actor

As director

Songs

Awards and nominations

* 1973 – Shama Sushama Award for Best Comedian for '' Anhonee'' * 1986 – Best Actor and Best Director Award from Gujarat State Government for ''Saat Qaidi'', a Gujarati film.

As voice artist

Asrani lent his voice for the character Zazu in ''

The Lion King ''The Lion King'' is a 1994 American animated musical coming-of-age drama film directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, produced by Don Hahn, and written by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton. Produced by Walt Disney ...

'' in the Hindi language audio.

References

External links

* * on

SET India Sony Entertainment Television (abbreviated as SET) is an Indian Hindi-language general entertainment pay television channel that was launched in 1995 and is owned by Culver Max Entertainment, a division of Sony Pictures. History This channel ...

*http://www.cagesmovie.com/castandcrew/asrani/ {{DEFAULTSORT:Asrani Indian male comedians Filmfare Awards winners Indian Sindhi people Male actors from Jaipur Male actors in Hindi cinema Film and Television Institute of India alumni Living people 1940 births 20th-century Indian male actors Bollywood playback singers 20th-century Indian male singers 20th-century Indian singers Singers from Rajasthan Musicians from Jaipur Film directors from Rajasthan Hindi-language film directors 20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights 21st-century Indian male actors 21st-century Indian male singers 21st-century Indian singers Screenwriters from Rajasthan Hindi-language screenwriters Hindi film producers Film producers from Rajasthan Sindhi Hindus Sindhi male actors