Legendary Comedian Asrani Passes Away at 84, Leaves Lasting Legacy

On October 21, 2025, the entertainment industry mourned the loss of legendary comedian and character actor Asrani, who passed away at the age of 84. Asrani, known for his memorable roles and nasal twang, had a prolific career spanning over 50 years and 300 films.

In the days leading up to his death, Asrani had been feeling weak and suffering from respiratory difficulties for the past 4 days. He was hospitalized at the Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, where he ultimately passed away. The final rites were attended by his wife Manju, who had also acted alongside Asrani in his famous 'Champak Bhoomiya' avatar.

Asrani's most iconic role was in the classic film 'Sholay', where he played the memorable character of the jailor. His ability to bring a smile to generations of film audiences through his diverse range of characters earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for his performances in 'Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar' and 'Balika Badhu'. Asrani's talent was recognized by renowned directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterji, David Dhawan, and Priyadarshan, who frequently cast him in memorable roles.