Asrani, famed for Sholay & Abhimaan, passes away at 84 after long illness

Asrani, who gained acclaim for his performance in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, where his quirky one-liner and impeccable comic timing made his jailer character unforgettable, also starred in the 1973 Amitabh-Jaya starrer Abhimaan directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

He acted in over 350 films in a career spanning more than five decades.

Asrani: A Versatile Comic Genius of Indian Cinema

Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur, into a middle-class Sindhi family, Asrani grew up far from the world of show business. His father owned a carpet shop, but Asrani showed little interest in joining the family trade.

He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School and graduated from Rajasthan College, Jaipur. To support his education, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio (AIR), Jaipur.

Between 1960 and 1962, Asrani trained in acting under Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar, before enrolling at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1964, a decision that would shape his film career.

Asrani made his Bollywood debut with the 1967 film Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan, in which he played the friend of actor Biswajeet. Around the same time, he also appeared as a lead actor in several Gujarati films, marking the start of a long and prolific career.

Over the decades, Asrani became one of Indian cinema’s most beloved character actors, known for his impeccable comic timing and expressive performances.

His portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Sholay (1975) remains one of the most iconic comedic roles in Bollywood history.

Asrani in film Sholay's jailer role. Photo: YouTube

He also delivered memorable performances in films directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and B.R. Chopra, showcasing his versatility across genres- from lighthearted comedy to nuanced character roles.

Filmography:

Some of his remarkable films from a wide range of filmography including Chupke Chupke (1975), Sholay (1975), Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973), Abhimaan (1973), Bawarchi (1972), Parichay (1972), Chhoti Si Baat (1976), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), and Rafuchakkar (1971) among others.

Post 2000, he made appearances in Hera Pheri (2000),  Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Chup Chup Ke
(2006), Malamaal Weekly (2006), Dhamaal (2007), Bol Bachchan (2012), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome Back (2015),  and All Is Well (2015)

Asrani also directed several films, including:  Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977)- semi-autobiographical comedy; Hum Nahin Sudhrenge (1980) and  Dil Hi To Hai (1992).