MUMBAI: Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday at the age of 84. The acclaimed actor, who appeared in over 300 films, was best known for his unforgettable portrayal of the eccentric jailer in the classic film Sholay.
Renowned for his flawless comic timing, Asrani carved a special place in the hearts of audiences with his diverse performances across decades of Hindi cinema. However, his iconic role as the overbearing jailer in Sholay—famous for the line, “Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain”—remains one of the most beloved moments in Indian film history.
Written by Salim-Javed, the character was inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s performance in The Great Dictator, and continues to elicit laughter even decades after the film’s release.
