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The actor, known as Asrani in the industry, is known for his excellent comic timing in Hindi cinema, but fans remember him best for his role as the dictatorial jailer in ‘Sholay’, who often utters the dialogue ‘We are the jailers of the British era’.
His role in the 1975 film still evokes laughter after all these years. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar imitated Charlie Chaplin’s character in “The Great Dictator”.
According to Shrankase, the actor
“He was a little unwell,” Thiba told PTI. He was admitted due to difficulty in breathing. He died today at 3 pm. The doctors told us that water had accumulated in his lungs.
Asrani worked with some of the biggest directors in every era of his five decade long career and worked with almost every top star, be it Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan or others. Despite being trained at FTII, Asrani specialized in comic roles, often playing the hero’s friend. He first came to notice for his role in “Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar”. His other memorable role is in “Chhoti Si Baat” as a man who is competing with the hero for the attention of the same woman.
Asrani started his Hindi cinema career with 1967 film “Hare Kaanch Ki Churiyan” and then went on to act in several movies. Hrishikesh Mukherjee was a mentor and guide to the actor and always gave him a role in his movies. He also acted in many of Gulzar’s films like “Mere Apne”, “Koshish” and “Parichay”. Asrani’s other popular roles were in movie such as “Bawarchi”, “Abhimaan”, “Do Ladke Dono Kadke” and “Bandish”.
“Chupke Chupke”,”Rafoo Chakkar”,”Balika Badhu”, “Heeralal Pannalal”, “Pati Patni Aur Woh” are also the films where Asrani impressed fans with his impeccable comic timing.
In the 2000s, he paired up with Priyadarshan for many of the director’s comedies like “Hera Pheri”, “Chup Chup Ke”, “Hulchul”, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” and “Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal”.
There were some films in which he went against his popular image and played negative roles like “Chaitaali” and “Koshish”. He also directed the film ‘Chala Murari Hero Banne’.
In an interview with PTI in 2017, Asrani talked about his love for theater and how it helped actors reinvent themselves. He felt that audiences were not accepting experimental cinema.
He had said at the time, “It is good that people are experimenting with cinema. They are trying to do serious and soulful cinema but such films do not last more than a week in theatres. People ultimately go to watch Salman, Shahrukh and Aamir Khan films. Quality cinema is not changing anything.”
The actor’s last rites were performed at the Santa Cruz crematorium this evening and was attended by family and close friends.
Thiba said, “We did not inform anyone about his demise because it was his wish that we keep it private.”
Many people from the industry mourned the death of the actor.
Writing a heartfelt note about his frequent co-star, Akshay Kumar wrote: “Speechless at Asrani ji’s demise. We had a warm embrace just a week ago during the shooting of ‘Haiwaan’. Very sweet human being… his comic timing was the best.”
“All my cult films from ‘Hera Pheri’ to ‘Bhagam Bhag’ to ‘De Dana Dan’, ‘Welcome’ and now our unreleased ‘Bhoot Bangla’ and ‘Haivaan’…I have worked with him and learned a lot. What a huge loss for our industry. May God Asrani sir bless you for giving us millions of reasons to laugh. Om Shanti.” Akshay also shared a picture with Asrani.
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who has worked with Asrani in films like “Welcome” and “Singh Is Kinng”, recalled their on- and off-screen equation.
“I am deeply saddened. He was a brilliant actor and an equally great human being. Working with him is a joy, he would make us laugh off-screen, on-screen he has successfully entertained us.”
“I have known him for 40 years. He had a trademark style when it came to making people laugh and no other actor could do that. He was a versatile actor, but people know him more for his comedy. I will miss him a lot,” Bazmee told PTI.
Lyricist and poet Manoj Munthir expressed grief over Asrani’s demise.
He wrote on Twitter, “The jailer of the British era, you left an era of comedy! We will miss you very much, Mr. Asrani! May God give you a place at his feet! Om.”
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan expressed his affection for Asrani, whom he called a “true icon” of Indian cinema.
“Growed up watching Asrani ji’s incredible comic timing and charisma. A true icon of Indian cinema. His legacy will live forever.”