The Hindi film industry mourns the passing of the iconic Asrani, known for his countless comic roles. The actor passed away on Monday following prolonged illness. Leading the tributes to the late actor, his Bhool Bhulaiyaa co-star Akshay Kumar wrote, “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bahot pyare insaan the (was a lovely man) …he had the most legendary comic timing.” Akshay went on to talk about his most memorable collaborations with Asrani. “From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our unreleased Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan…I had worked and learned so much from him. What an absolute loss to our industry. God bless you Asrani Sir, for giving us a million reasons to laugh.”
Rajpal Yadav, another one of the veteran's co-stars in many comedies, highlighted the latter's contributions to making his scenes with him memorable. Saying he had the good fortune to collaborate with the late actor, Rajpal wrote, “Chahe Bhool Bhulaiyaa ho, Dhol ho, ya humari akhri film Bhoot Bangla ho, harr scene ko hit karne mein aapka vishesh yogdan raha hai” (Whether it be Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhol, or our last film Bhoot Bangla, your contributions to making all the scenes a hit are special).
On the other hand, Anant Mahadevan reminisced about his collaborations with Asrani in two different capacities. “Saddened by the passing of Asrani ji. Had the opportunity to share screen time in films like Gardish and directed him in a very different avatar in Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and Gour Hari Dastaan. He also cast me in his own series Kashmakash. A company I have always relished and respected.”
FTII, one of his previous employers, also expressed its deepest sympathies with the actor's family, friends and fans.
Earlier on Monday, the actor wished his friends and followers a Happy Diwali. Everyone, from cricketers to journalists to ministers to the general public, has been expressing their sadness about the iconic actor's passing, signifying the sheer impact of his enduring roles.
