Veteran actor and comic legend Asrani dies at 84, last rites performed in Mumbai
The 84-year-old star today after a prolonged illness.
He was known for playing versatile characters in films such as 'Sholay', 'Mere Apne', 'Bawarchi', 'Abhimaan' and 'Chupke Chupke'.
"Attention! Humne kaha attention! Qaidiyon! Kaan kholkar sun lo," --- all that has fallen silent permanently.
His real was Govardhan Asrani.
He is counted among those Hindi cinema actors who gave a new dimension to comedy roles. Some of them were ever memorable performance.
His portrayal of the jailer in 'Sholay' made him unforgettable forever. His dialogue delivery and comic (Sholay cult dialogues, everyday conversations) timing are still considered a benchmark in the film world.
Talking about his role, Asrani said: “I didn’t know anything about the film. I thought the producer-director was calling me for a small role. When I went to meet them, Ramesh Sippy was there along with Salim–Javed. Javed Sahab narrated the script, saying – ‘Attention! Hum angrezon ke zamane ke jailer hain...’ (Attention! I a jailer from the British era...).
The character was supposed to be foolish, (Sholay dacoit Western genre explained) but thinks of himself as the smartest man alive. I thought, I’ve never done such a role before.
They gave me a book on World War II to read, which had 10–12 poses of Hitler.
Hitler used to rehearse in front of a photographer wearing his army uniform before coming in front of the public. I picked up 3–4 of those poses and brought that attitude into the character.
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On how Amjad’s voice became iconic, Asrani recalled: “When my dubbing was happening at Rajkamal Studio, Amjad’s voice test was also going on. He told me: ‘Today my life will be decided, I don’t know if my voice will be approved.’
Sound recordist Mangesh Desai said: ‘There’s quality in this voice.’ Then Salim–Javed said: ‘What can we do, the voice is approved now.’
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 the highly popular film released in 1975, where his role as the eccentric jail warden became an unforgettable cultural touchstone. He cemented his place as a master of comic timing and dialogue delivery.
Beyond acting, Asrani also had notable achievements in other facets of filmmaking. 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.
Asrani excelled in the film Chhoti si Baat too.
Arun, a timid young man, falls in love with Prabha but is too afraid to share his feelings with her. Things take a turn when another man attempts to woo Prabha.
The second man is played by Asrani. He is smart but the competition comes when timid Arun (Amol Palekar) after "training' from a retired army officer (Ashok Kumar) outsmarts the character played by Asrani.
The 2000s saw Asrani in a number of films like Hera Pheri, Chup Chup Ke, Hulchul, Deewane Huye Paagal, Garam Masala, Dhamaal, Malamaal Weekly, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, Bol Bachchan and Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal.
He was an integral part of comedies by Sajid Nadiadwala and Priyadarshan after 2000. His screen space in the films of Rohit Shetty and others were reduced gradually after 2009.
ends
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