Bollywood's beloved comedian, Asrani, whose real name was Govardhan Asrani, has passed away in Mumbai, leaving the film industry in mourning, while his life was a remarkable story of struggle, dedication, and a deep passion for art. Born into a middle-class Sindhi family, Asrani's father, after the partition of India, settled in Jaipur from Pakistan and opened a carpet shop. However, Asrani had no interest in business; from a young age, he dreamt of becoming an actor.
Early Life and Education in Jaipur
Asrani completed his schooling at St, while xavier's School, Jaipur, and graduated from Rajasthan College. During his studies, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio, Jaipur, to fund his education. Affectionately called 'Chonch' by his friends, Asrani's parents wished for him to pursue a government job. However, his heart was set on acting, a path his father initially disapproved of.
The Path to Acting and Mumbai
Asrani began his acting journey on the Jaipur stage, honing his skills from 1960 to 1962 under the guidance of Sahitya Kalabhai Thakor. In 1962, he arrived in Mumbai with big dreams. Following the advice of renowned director Hrishikesh Mukherjee in 1963, he joined the Film Institute, Pune, in 1964, completing his acting course in 1966, while his cinematic debut came in 1967 with a Gujarati film.
Senior theatre artists recall that Asrani, who emerged from the streets of Jaipur, achieved a remarkable position in Bollywood through his hard work and dedication. His artistry, simplicity, and humility not only made him a successful artist but also the face of comedy in Indian cinema. Jaipur's artists consider Asrani not just a Bollywood legend but an identity of Jaipur itself. A famous anecdote recounts him pointing to a film hoarding on MI Road in Jaipur, telling a friend that one day his poster would also be there. True to his word, a few months later, a poster for his. Film 'Hare Kaanch Ki Chooriyan' featuring him appeared at the same spot.
