Asrani

Born on the 1st of January, 1964, Govardhan Asrani is a famous Bollywood celebrity, fondly known as Asrani. Raised in a middle class Sindhi family, the Asranis shifted their base to Jaipur post independence. Post landing up in India, his father indulged in trading of carpets. Raising up with four sisters and three brothers, the to-be-actor was not much keen in venturing into the family business.

Completing his schooling from St. Xaviers school and graduation from the Rajasthan College in Jaipur, Asrani worked as a voice-over artist simultaneously to complete his education. Garnering sincerely, Asrani dreamed to become an actor one day. Starting his career in the same direction, Asrani started gaining lessons from Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar in 1960-1962.

Post this, Asrani landed up in the city of dreams, Mumbai to make it large and eventually met the ace filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who later advised him to seek professional learning. Seeking his advice, Asrani moved ahead and joined the Film Institute in Poona (Now Film and Television institute of India, Pune) in the year 1964. Impressing many during his curricular there, Asrani mastered his expertize and took a leave in 1966.

After an intense effort back in Pune, Asrani cherished his first break in 1967 through a Gujarati film with a budding actress Waheeda. The span of 1967-1969 saw Asrani contributing in four other regional movies along with which he made his Bollywood debut with 'Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan' in 1967. Later featuring in films like 'Umang', 'Guddi', 'Mere Apne', 'Parichay', 'Anamika', 'Abhimaan' and 'Namak Haram' footed the actor firm in a unique category of character and supporting role segment.

The better half period also witnessed Asrani venturing himself as a director. His first as a director commenced with a Gujarati flick 'Amdavad No Rickshawalo' in 1974 and later carried on with Hindi flicks like 'Chala Murari Hero Ban Ne', 'Salaam Memsaab', 'Hum Nahin Sudhrenge', 'Dil Hi To Hai' and ended the streak with the 1997 released 'Udaan'.

Films are the only thing that brought up Asrani the real joy of life. From basking appreciation, it was only films that jotted Asrani great colleagues, friends as well as a soul mate. Collaborating with the first superstar Rajesh Khanna in more a dozen of films, Rajesh Khanna and Asrani's friendship was the much talked about at that times. It was also then when Asrani collided with Manju Bansal. The duo fell in love and later got hitched, transforming Manju Bansal into Manju Asrani. It was a transforming time as well for Asrani, after acting and direction the talented being tried his hands in singing by lending his vocals to two tracks which got featured upon him in his 1977 released 'Alaap'. Moving ahead, he also accompanied the ace singer Kishore Kumar on a duet "Mannu Bhai Motor Chale" in 'Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan'.

As Asrani tried his hands in various aspects of filming, his sail in acting was too on simultaneously. Creating his own identity as a comedian, Asrani delivered his best in films like 'Bawarchi', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Sholay', 'Chhoti Si Baat', 'Pati Patni Aur Woh', 'Himmatwala', 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar', 'Muqabla', 'Dulhe Raja', 'Mehendi', 'International Khiladi', 'Mela', 'Hera Pheri', 'Aaghaaz', 'Awara Paagal Deewana', 'Baghban','Hulchul', 'Garam Masala', 'Chup Chup Ke', 'Dhamaal', 'De Dana Dan','Bodyguard', 'Bol Bachchan' till 'Himmatwala'(2013), few from his archive.

The actor however has never been seen in a full-fledged lead avatar, his short span comic sequences too left his presence sound strong. He has essayed over 100 characters till date but, his most cherished and recognized one rather, his identity remained that of a jailer in 'Sholay'. The actor has now entered the veteran league by acting in more than 300 Bollywood ventures and had also contributed his best to the Gujarati cinema by featuring in almost 150 films there.