Mumbai: These lines of Allama Iqbal are true in the life of Asrani. Veteran Indian film and stage actor Govardhan Asrani has passed away. This legendary artist, who breathed his last at the age of 84, was popular and well-known across all age groups. Even today, the iconic dialogue “Hum Angrez ke zameen ke jailer hain” from the decades-old film Sholay brings a smile to millions of faces. Now that Asrani is no longer with us, his manager Babu Bhai Theeba has shared something that not only moves his fans but also inspires them.
Actually, Asrani is an example of how a person can live his life with simplicity even after reaching the heights of fame and touching all the lines of success. Manager Babu Bhai Theeba told that Asrani used to say that he wants to go like a common man in his final farewell. Another veteran artist, who may be 15 years younger than Asrani, but he too needs no introduction today, has also considered this statement of Asrani as an inspiration. We all should know this incident related to Asrani’s life, so that in the times to come, this incident keeps shining like a ray of light in the lives of millions of people.
Recalling his experiences with Asrani, manager Babu Bhai expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s sentiments,saying he had been with him for over two decades. Babu Bhai said, “In these 20 years, I have learned so much from him. He inspired me to become a better person. On behalf of the Asrani family, I would also like to thank Prime Minister Modi for the sentiments expressed through X. I would also like to thank everyone who remembered him. Asrani sahab will always be remembered. The way the audience appreciated him will always be memorable.”
Manager Babu Bhai Theeba said, “Asrani sahab told me and his wife Manju that he was a very simple man and wanted to leave this world like any other ordinary person. He didn’t want any extravagant farewells like those given to film stars. He said, ‘Just as I have lived a life of peace and simplicity, I want to leave in the same way.’ That’s why we conducted his funeral privately.”
It’s worth noting that Asrani’s death was reported late in the evening on October 20th, while the nation was immersed in Diwali celebrations. The news became public only after his family released the news following his cremation. Even film industry figures were unaware of his passing until after the cremation. The next morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, among others, expressed their condolences.
In addition to explaining the reason for the quiet funeral after his death, Babu Bhai also revealed that the veteran actor was admitted to the Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, four days before his death. He said, “He had been feeling weak for 15 days. Four days ago, he consulted a doctor due to severe breathing problems. Following medical advice, he was admitted to the hospital and we had to cancel the shooting. Initially, there were signs of improvement, but on the third day, his condition deteriorated. He passed away on the fourth day.” It is worth noting that Asrani will be seen on screen for the last time in the films “Bhoot Bangla” and “Haiwan.” His films will be released next year.
Renowned actor, director and TV personality Annu Kapoor, on Asrani’s demise, mentioned Asrani’s wish for a peaceful and silent departure from this world and said that if his death were to occur during a festival or a major national event, he himself would want a similar peaceful farewell. Kapoor said, “His wish inspired me too…when it is time for me to check out from this hotel called the world and that date or time is associated with a national festival or celebration… for example, 15th August or 26th January or Diwali, Holi, Eid… my last rites should also be performed secretly. I do not want to trouble anyone… I do not want to live as a burden in this world.”
