Govardhan Asrani

Film debut and ensuing releases ( 1967-1973) Asrani got his big break through Kishore Sahu’s social drama flick Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan, where he appeared in a supporting role alongside Biswajeet in the lead. His “young college friend” part with the male lead ensured him a safe take off. He was then seen in supporting roles in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s hit drama’s Guddi and Mere Apne in the year 1971. However he was offered his first prominent role in Mukherjee’s next directorial Bawarchi, alongside Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Badhuri in the lead. The top grossing flick saw him coming up with a worthwhile performance for the first time. Asrani then went on to play side-lined supporting roles in movies like Parichay, Anamika and Amitabh Bachchan’s Abhimaan , the latter two having him in meaty roles getting him noted among the film circles in the year 1973 which ended well with the acclaimed movie Namak Halaal. Asrani kept the boxes ticking with important releases like Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee which were tests of both his comic sensibilities and restrained on screen soothing parts. Career best phase in classic movies ( 1975-1976) Asrani went on to be a part of iconic landmarks of Indian cinema in the year 1975 starting off with Ramesh Sippy’s cult classic action adventure film Sholay featuring a star studded ensemble cast consisting of Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini and many others in the lead. The movie saw Asrani playing funny over the top gimmicky jailer , the character which was moulded from Charlie Chaplin’s performance in the 1940 classic “The Great Dictator” and saw him elevating his reputation of handling humour effortlessly which led to many more such roles in the future. The movie marks one of his finest works till date at comedy. Meanwhile Asrani’s mentor and long-time accomplice Hrishikesh Mukherjee in his epic comedy flick Chup Chup Ke. The comedy of errors outing had pairing with huge names like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Om Prakash and many more in the lead and yet again was seen scoring big time with his sparkling comic repartees. The movie also unexploited a new facet of Asrani’s comic sensibilities. Asrani was then seen in Rishi Kapoor’s comedy of errors movie Rafoo Chakkar after which he was called upon by maestro Basu Chatterjee for his romantic drama film Chhoti Si Baat appearing in pivotal role opposite Amol Palekar and Vidhya Sinha. The movie saw him playing a boastful self-indulgent guy who tries to woo a girl much to the disliking of the quiet, subdued protagonist after her in the first place. His seasoned and highly witty portrayal of the seemingly funny character fetched him The Filmfare Award that year for Best Comedian in 1975. Array of other releases ( 1976-1990) In the following years Asrani went on to play the male lead, comic avatars, supporting roles in movies like Tapasya, Alaap, Kalabaaz, Badalte Rishtey. Asrani continued his popular antics during the period and maintained his repute of being an grade one comedian by coming up with stellar performance in his ensuing releases. Agreement Sitam Nikkah Himmatwala Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander Muqabla Bade Miyan Chote Miyan Mela Post 2000 releases in supporting and comic roles ( 2000- 2016) Hera Pheri Chal Mere Bhai Lajja Aaghaaz Awara Paagal Deewana Dil Vil Pyar Vyar Ek Se Badkhar Ek Hulchul Kyon Ki Garam Masala Chup Chup Ke Bhagam Bhag Dhamaal Yariyaan Billu All The Best De Dana Dan Bodyguard Agent Vinod Bol Bachchan Joker R.Rajkumar Dillagi Yeh Dillagi Mastizaade