Bollywood mourns the loss of veteran comedian Govardhan Asrani, who passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. Best remembered for his iconic role as the jailer in ‘Sholay‘, Asrani appeared in over 350 films, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi cinema. His passing has also brought renewed attention to his family and legacy.
Despite his fame, Asrani kept his family away from the media spotlight. Few know that his wife, Manju Asrani, was also an actress who appeared in films with legends like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Navin.
Govardhan Asrani and his wife Manju maintained a low-profile life, away from the limelight. Their private life was quite remarkable, with the couple being together for over fifty years. They preferred a quiet
life, prioritising their family over media attention.
Who Is Manju Asrani?
Manju Asrani, née Manju Bansal, was part of the film industry in the 1970s and 80s. Their love story began on the set of ‘Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar‘, with their friendship blossoming into love on the set of ‘Namak Haraam‘ starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna among others. This strong bond led to their lifelong partnership through marriage.
Manju Asrani’s career included roles in films such as ‘Kabeela‘, ‘Udhar Ka Sindoor‘, ‘Tapasya‘, ‘Chandi Sona‘, and ‘Chor Sipahee‘.
In the 1990s, she transitioned to a career behind the camera as a director. During this time, she focused on supporting her family and husband’s career, staying out of the limelight.
According to a report by Navbharat Times, Govardhan Asrani and Manju did not have any children. However, other reports and Wikipedia suggest they have a son named Navin Asrani, who is a dentist. Asrani’s family also includes his sister and nephews.
