Asrani
Govardhan Kumar Asrani is the kind of actor who became a household name by doing what he did best—making people laugh and creating memorable supporting characters that somehow stole every scene. Born in Jaipur, this FTII-trained performer spent over five decades in Indian cinema, racking up an impressive 350+ films across Hindi and Gujarati cinema. Most Bollywood fans remember him best as the quirky Jailor in the cult classic Sholay, but Asrani was far more than a one-role wonder. He became a fixture in Rajesh Khanna films throughout the 70s and 80s, appearing alongside the superstar in 25 different films, and his collaborations with legendary directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Priyadarshan proved he had serious range. He even snagged a Filmfare Award for Best Comedian and showed he could carry a film as a lead when the script demanded it. What made Asrani special was his gift for comedic timing and his ability to seamlessly shift between lead and character roles without ever feeling out of place. He wasn't just the "friend of the hero"—he was the comic relief who elevated every film he touched, whether he was doing Hitler impressions or delivering witty one-liners in between dramatic moments. Beyond Hindi cinema, he maintained a parallel career in Gujarati films, leading roles through the early 80s and later pivoting to character work. His contributions to Bollywood extended behind the camera too, as he directed six films throughout his career. Though his on-screen appearances became fewer in recent years, Asrani's legacy remains that of a dependable, talented performer who understood the assignment every single time.
Awards & Nominations
Filmography
Ikkis
2026
Bhooth Bangla
2026
Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2
2025
Non Stop Dhamaal
2023
Dream Girl 2
2023
Mili
2022
Pati Patni Aur Woh
2019
Sallu Ki Shaadi
2017
Murari the Mad Gentleman
2016
Wake Up India
2013
R... Rajkumar
2013
Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge
2009
De Dana Dan
2009
Billu
2009
Anamika
2008
Mehbooba
2008
Mehbooba
2008
Journey Bombay to Goa
2007
Dhamaal
2007
Aap Ki Khatir
2006
Bhagam Bhag
2006
Malamaal Weekly
2006
Elaan
2005
Deewane Huye Paagal
2005
Garam Masala
2005
Charas
2004
Akhiyon Se Goli Maare
2002
Awara Paagal Deewana
2002
Ajnabee
2001
Nyaydaata
1999
Dillagi
1999
Shera
1999
Achanak
1998
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
1998
Mere Sapno Ki Rani
1997
Jurmana
1996
Chhota Sa Ghar
1996
Janta Ki Adalat
1994
Aag Aur Chingari
1994
Beta Ho To Aisa
1994
Badi Bahen
1993
Geetanjali
1993
Muqaddar Ka Badshaah
1990
Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharnii
1989
Rakhwala
1989
Paap Ka Ant
1989
Charnon Ki Saugandh
1988
Shukriyaa
1988
A. C. Tirulokchandar
1988
Majaal
1987
Love 86
1986
Aag Aur Shola
1986
Mera Saathi
1985
Hoshiyar
1985
Haqeeqat
1985
Balidaan
1985
Sarfarosh
1985
Love Marriage
1984
Yeh Ishq Nahin Aasaan
1984
Kaamyab
1984
Shubh Kaamna
1983
Bekaraar
1983
Baawri
1982
Raaj Mahal
1982
A. C. Tirulokchandar
1982
Nishana
1980
Do Ladke Dono Kadke
1979
Salaam Memsaab
1979
Jaandaar
1979
Love in Canada
1979
Hamare Tumhare
1979
Ahinsa
1979
Baton Baton Mein
1979
Dhongee
1979
Daaku Aur Jawan
1978
Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan
1978
Badalte Rishtey
1978
Phaansi
1978
Ghar
1978
Heeralaal Pannalaal
1978
Kasam Khoon Ki
1977
Khoon Pasina
1977
Anurodh
1977
Chandi Sona
1977
Alaap
1977
Chhailla Babu
1977
Karm
1977
Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein
1977
Chala Murari Hero Banne
1977
Saheb Bahadur
1977
Kalabaaz
1977
Ab Kya Hoga
1977
G. Asrani
1977
Chhoti Si Baat
1976
Barood
1976
Aap Beati
1976
Udhar Ka Sindur
1976
Fakira
1976
Balika Badhu
1976
Apne Rang Hazaar
1975
Rafoo Chakkar
1975
Sholay
1975
Umar Qaid
1975
''Chaitali''
1975
Kushboo
1975
Chupke Chupke
1975
Trimurti
1974
Aap Ki Kasam
1974
Prem Nagar
1974
Paap Aur Punya
1974
Bidaai
1974
Humshakal
1974
Chor Machaye Shor
1974
Agni Rekha
1973
Abhimaan
1973
Shareef Budmaash
1973
Namak Haraam
1973
Yeh Gulistan Hamara
1972
Bawarchi
1972
Parichay
1972
Raaste Kaa Patthar
1972
Sabse Bada Sukh
1972
Sampooran Singh Gulzar
1972
Shor
1972
Shaadi Ke Baad
1972
Banphool
1971
Mere Apne
1971
Guddi
1971
Pushpanjali
1970
Satyakam
1969
Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan
1967
Anhonee
1952
Roti
1942