Veteran Actor Asrani, Beloved ‘Sholay’ Jailer, Passes Away at 84; PM Modi Condoles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the death of veteran actor-comedian Govardhan Asrani, remembering him as a truly versatile artist who entertained audiences across generations.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations," PM Modi said in a post on X'.

Asrani dies after brief illness

Govardhan Asrani, 84, passed away in a hospital in Mumbai on Monday.

With a career spanning over five decades and more than 300 films, Asrani became one of Hindi cinema’s most cherished comic actors.

Best remembered for his iconic role as the eccentric jailer in the 1975 classic “Sholay”, Asrani’s unforgettable line — “Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain” — continues to bring smiles to audiences even today. His perfect blend of humour and satire made the character timeless.

The jailer’s persona, crafted by celebrated writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, was reportedly inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s portrayal in “The Great Dictator.” Asrani’s performance turned what could have been a minor role into one of Indian cinema’s most enduring comic characters.

Beyond Sholay, Asrani’s filmography includes a wide range of memorable performances that showcased his versatility — from light-hearted comedies to character roles that defined an era of Bollywood humour.

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The actor, popularly known as Asrani in the industry, was known for his impeccable comic timing in Hindi cinema but fans most remember him for the role of the dictatorial jailer in "Sholay" who often mouths the dialogue "Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer hain".

His role in the 1975 film still evokes laughter all these years later. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar  modelled the character after Charlie Chaplin in “The Great Dictator”