This star once had no work in Bollywood, former PM Indira Gandhi changed his fate, he worked in over 350 films, name is…
On October 20, an actor, who was known for his timeless humor and memorable banter, died at the age of 84, leaving Bollywood without one of its greatest comedy heroes. With 350 films over the course of a career spanning more than 50 years, Asrani’s contribution to Hindi cinema is still unparalleled. His well-known quotes from Sholay, “Hum Angrezon ke zamane ke jailer hain!” and “Haye, main toh mar gaya!” are still echoed in popular culture today. Yes, we are talking about Govardhan Asrani.
However, Asrani had a protracted period of rejection before her notoriety and praise. He wandered the Mumbai studios with his credential in hand, having graduated with a professional acting degree from FTII Pune, only to be turned away.
Why wasn’t Asrani’s FTII training taken seriously?
“I used to walk around with my FTII certificate, and people would mock me,” Asrani previously revealed in an interview. “You need a certificate to act?” they would ask. “Get out of here!” “The big stars didn’t study acting.”
Dejected and without a job for almost two years, Asrani went back to Jaipur, his hometown. Despite his parents’ wishes, he continued to pursue his passion of working at the family’s carpet company. Even if luck wasn’t on his side just yet, he was determined to succeed when he returned to FTII.
When Asrani’s fate was altered by Indira Gandhi
When Indira Gandhi, India’s then-Minister of Information and Broadcasting, visited FTII, Asrani’s life took a significant turn. Asrani grumbled to her about not finding employment despite their training, as did other struggling grads.
“We told Indira ji that no one gives us work even after earning a certificate,” Asrani said at the time. After she visited Mumbai, she instructed producers to begin employing actors with training. Things started to alter at that point.
Jaya Bhaduri was cast in Guddi shortly after, and Asrani also got his big break in the same movie. For Asrani and FTII grads who were at last acknowledged in the field, Guddi’s triumph signaled the beginning of a new era.
“Guddi” to “Sholay”: A star was created
Asrani became a mainstay in Bollywood comedies after Guddi. He then starred in several popular movies, such as Roti, Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtar, Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, and Chupke Chupke.
However, he became iconic due to his portrayal of the eccentric jailer in Ramesh Sippy’s classic Sholay from 1975. His exaggerated British accent and amusing facial expressions made his character “Kangaal” iconic. “Mera naam hai Santosh, lekin log mujhe Kangaal kehte hain” is still one of the most beloved lines in Indian cinema.
Asrani continued to work on movies at the age of 84, most recently filming alongside Akshay Kumar a week before his health deteriorated. Lung issues caused him to pass away, but his legacy will always provide joy to India. His final appearances will be in Haiwan and Bhoot Bangla, two future Priyadarshan flicks.
Although Asrani’s departure signifies the end of an era, generations of moviegoers will continue to giggle at his jokes.
Highlights:
- Govardhan Asrani passed away at 84 after a legendary 50-year career.
- Indira Gandhi helped him get his first break after two years of struggle.
- His Sholay jailer role remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic comic performances.
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