Following the death of veteran comedian Govardhan Asrani on October 20 at the age of 84, Bollywood and his fans are paying tribute to his indelible mark on Hindi cinema, while also revisiting the life of his wife, actor-turned-director Manju Asrani.
Asrani, best known for his iconic role as the jailer in Sholay (1975) and his appearance in over 300 films, passed away in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. His manager confirmed to ANI that he died at 3 PM at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu. He is survived by his wife, sister, and nephew.
In line with the late actor’s wishes, his funeral was a quiet and private affair. A family source revealed that Asrani had instructed his wife, Manju, to avoid any public commotion or media attention, wanting to be remembered as a common man. News of his passing was therefore shared only after the cremation.
A Look at Manju Asrani’s Life and Career
Manju Asrani, originally Manju Bansal, is an actor who later shifted her focus to directing. Her public life was largely private, distinct from her husband’s fame.
- Acting Career: Manju worked alongside cinematic legends such as Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Navin Nischol during the 1970s and 1980s. Her filmography includes Kabeela (1976), Hum Nahin, Sarkari Mehmaan (1979), and Sudherenge (1980).
- Love Story: The couple’s romance reportedly sparked on the sets of Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973), with their friendship blossoming into a lifelong partnership during the filming of Namak Haraam (1973).
- Behind the Camera: In the 1990s, Manju transitioned to working behind the camera as a director and dedicated herself to supporting her family and husband’s career, moving away from the acting limelight.
- Family: Reports on the couple’s children are contradictory, with some sources, like Navbharat Times, stating they had no children, while others, including Wikipedia, suggest they have a son named Navin Asrani, who works as a dentist.