Veteran actor-comedian Asrani dies after brief illness

Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, who endeared himself to the audiences by playing the eccentric jailer in "Sholay" and many other memorable roles in over 300 films, passed away in a hospital on Monday in Mumbai. He was 84. The actor, popularly known as Asrani in the industry, was known for his impeccable comic timing in Hindi cinema but fans most remember him for the role of the dictatorial jailer in "Sholay" who often mouths the dialogue "Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain". His role in the 1975 film still evokes laughter all these years later. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar  modelled the character after Charlie Chaplin in “The Great Dictator”.
He was originally a resident of Jaipur. His family shared the news only after his funeral was held at the Santacruz Crematorium.The 1970s marked his peak, where he became one of the most bankable character actors, appearing in iconic movies such as 'Mere Apne', 'Koshish', 'Bawarchi', 'Parichay', 'Abhimaan', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Chhoti Si Baat', 'Rafoo Chakkar', and 'Sholay.' He successfully transitioned into a lead hero in a few films, notably in the critically acclaimed 1977 Hindi film, 'Chala Murari Hero Banne', which he wrote and directed. He also tried his hand at direction with films like 'Salaam Memsaab' (1979) and several others across his career.