‘Big stars don’t have…’: How Asrani and Jaya Bachchan got their first big break in Guddi with a little help from Indira Gandhi | Hindi Movie News

Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani has passed away at 84. He was known for his comic timing and appeared in over 350 films. Asrani’s career faced early challenges until Indira Gandhi’s intervention helped him secure roles. His iconic performance in Sholay remains a highlight. He is survived by his wife, Manju Asrani.

Govardhan Asrani passed away on Monday, October 20, at 84 after a long illness. Over a five-decade career, he appeared in more than 350 films, earning fame for his comic timing and versatile acting, though his path to success was often challenging.

In an old interview with Bollywood Thikana Asrani spoke about his struggling days. He said, “I would roam around with my certificate, and they would shoo me away and say, ‘You think acting requires certificates? Big stars don’t have training here, and you think you’re special? Get lost.”

Elaborating further, he addedm “One day, Indira Gandhi came to Pune. She was the I&B minister at the time. And we complained to her. We told her that despite having a certificate, nobody gives us the time of day. Then she came to Mumbai and told producers that they should hire us. After that, work started coming in. Jaya Bhaduri was cast in Guddi, as was I. When Guddi became a hit, people started taking FTII seriously.”That film reportedly proved to be a turning point. Opportunities started coming, and Asrani became a regular in Hindi cinema during the ’70s and ’80s, appearing in hits like Chupke Chupke, Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, Roti, and Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar. However, it was his iconic role in Sholay that cemented his place in the hearts of audiences for generations.Asrani is survived by his wife, Manju Asrani, along with his sister and nephew. The couple had no children. His passing marks the end of an era—a beloved entertainer whose humor, warmth, and spirit will continue to live on through his films.