Asrani - Biography

Govardhan Asrani, more commonly known as Asrani, was born on 1st January 1941 in Rajasthan. This lovable comedian has worked in more than 300 films to date, and counting! Film career: Asrani has worked in so many films that to give an account of all would be difficult. Here are some of his films better known movies: • His first film was called Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan (1967). • Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Guddi (1971) saw him in the role of Kundan. The film was a huge hit and so was Asrani. • As Babbu in Bawarchi (1972) he was at his funniest best. • In 1973 came the much acclaimed Abhimaan starring Amiyabh and Jaya. Asrani played the role of Chandru in it. • As Prashant in another Hrishikesh Mukherjee blockbuster Chupke Chupke (1975) Asrani was as entertaining as ever. • Though Asrani has given an exemplary performance every time, the role for which he is remembered most is the one in Sholay (1975). The film is touted to be one of the best in Bollywood; with some of the biggest names associated with it. However, even in the presence of biggies like Amitabh, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad and Hema Malini, his portrayal of a dim witted jailor obsessed with the British shines brightly. • 1975 was a great year for Asrani. He appeared in the romantic comedy Chhoti Si Baat, which did really well at the box office. • Balika Badhu (1976) added another feather in his cap. • He played Saif in B R Chopra’s Nikaah (1982), providing the much needed comic relief. • Mansoor Khan’s Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) saw him in a small role, that of Mr Dubey. • In 2000 Asrani appeared in the commercially super hit comedy film Hera Pheri . • He played Akshay Kumar’s uncle in Garam Masala (2005). The film was declared a hit. • In another Akshay Kumar starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) he played Murari, adding to the already hilarious situations in the film. • Asrani’s All the Best is scheduled to release on 16th October 2009. • He has three films lined up for release in 2009, namely Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani , De Dhana Dhan, Fauj Mein Mauj. Awards: Asrani won 2 Filmfare awards for best performance in a comic role for the films Balika Badhu (1977)  and Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973)