Lesser known facts about Asrani

Asrani, whose real name is Govardhan Asrani, is a veteran Indian actor known for his versatile roles and impeccable comic timing. Here are some lesser-known facts about him:

1. Early Life and Training: Asrani was born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. He completed his schooling in Jaipur and later moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue a career in acting. He received formal training in acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
2. Stage Performances: Before entering the film industry, Asrani honed his acting skills through stage performances. He participated in numerous plays and theater productions, which helped him develop his craft and gain recognition as a talented actor.
3. Nickname “Asrani”: Govardhan Asrani earned the nickname “Asrani” during his early theater days. Since his full name was quite long, his friends and colleagues in the industry started referring to him by his surname, which eventually became his screen name.
4. Collaboration with Hrishikesh Mukherjee: Asrani had a fruitful collaboration with the renowned filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee. He worked in several of Mukherjee’s iconic films, including “Chupke Chupke” (1975), “Gol Maal” (1979), and “Khoobsurat” (1980), where his performances were widely appreciated.
5. Iconic Character of “Angrezo Ke Zamane Ke Jailor”: Asrani’s portrayal of the strict and comical jailor in the film “Sholay” (1975) became one of his most memorable roles. His dialogue delivery and unique style of humor made the character iconic and etched him in the memory of the audience.
6. Versatility in Acting: While Asrani is primarily known for his comic roles, he has showcased his versatility by portraying a wide range of characters in his career. He has played both comedic and dramatic roles with equal finesse and has received critical acclaim for his performances in films like “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977) and “Sadma” (1983).
7. Award Recognition: Asrani has been recognized and honored with several prestigious awards for his contribution to Indian cinema. He has won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian multiple times and has also received the coveted Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, in 2009.
8. Directorial Ventures: Apart from acting, Asrani has also ventured into direction. He directed the film “Chala Murari Hero Banne” (1977), which starred himself in the lead role. Though the film did not achieve commercial success, it showcased his skills as a multifaceted artist.

Asrani’s talent, versatility, and humorous performances have made him an integral part of Indian cinema. His memorable characters and ability to make audiences laugh have earned him a special place in the hearts of movie lovers.