MUMBAI: Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 84. Actress and tarot card reader Hansa Singh had the privilege of meeting the late actor on a flight.
Sharing more about her experience, she says, “When I saw him, like a fangirl, I went up to him and told him that I am an actor too. The ease on his face was very endearing. We had a brief chat, and then I asked for a selfie, which he graciously accepted. That meeting was one of God’s best gifts to me. I was also seated next to him. At first, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
But then, of course, he was quietly sitting, somewhat avoiding people’s contact as he was going for a show. It was a morning flight, so he wanted to catch his breath and get a few winks. Meeting him was an inspiration to me — it stays with me as a great memory.”
She adds, “Something in me — the fangirl — wanted to speak with him. Having a legend sitting next to you, I couldn’t miss that opportunity. Seeing him at 83 was truly inspiring; for him, age was just a number. He was still active in shows and acting.”
Sharing details of her favourite films of Asrani, Hansa says, “There are many, but of course, the epic one is Sholay, which stays with us all. That role of the jailor — ‘Aadhe idhar, aadhe udhar, baaki mere peeche’ — still makes you laugh. Being such a versatile actor, he aced all his roles with great conviction.
Comedy is tough, but he mastered it. He was also someone who didn’t just do comic roles — in films like Abhimaan and Bawarchi, we saw a completely different side of him. This kind of talent is rare, and we must celebrate him through his movies.”
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