When Asrani introduced Jaya Bachchan to Gulzar for ‘Guddi’; ‘I took him to the canteen, where she was enjoying tea’ |
Before he was the ‘Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailer,’ the late, great Govardhan Asrani was a star-maker. We all knew and loved him as a master of comedy. His unique voice, impeccable timing, and that unmatched ability to steal a scene with just a look made him a true gem of Hindi cinema. But behind the iconic jailer from ‘Sholay’ was a foundational figure, a mentor who helped shape some of the industry’s biggest stars.
From a teacher’s desk to a studio set
Graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in 1966 should have been a golden ticket, but as Asrani himself recalled, the industry wasn’t quite ready for formally trained actors. In a 2017 interview with The Hindu, he reflected on those early struggles: “However, it wasn’t my ticket to Bollywood.” “At the time, no one realized you could learn acting in an institute,” he said. With few film opportunities, he returned to FTII, this time as a teacher. It was a move that would, funnily enough, change his life and the course of cinematic history.
The fateful introduction that launched ‘Guddi ‘
The big break came from an unexpected place. Legendary filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, a guest faculty member at FTII, and Gulzar were searching for a fresh face to lead their 1971 film, ‘Guddi.’ Asrani knew exactly who to suggest: his talented student, Jaya Bhaduri (later Bachchan).“When Hrishida inquired about Jaya, I immediately took him to the canteen, where she was enjoying a cup of tea. Danny (Denzongpa) and Anil Dhawan were also present. When I told Jaya that Hrishida had arrived to meet her, she spilled her cup of tea!” Asrani recalled in a 2016 Cinestaan interview. While Jaya was being cast, Asrani cheekily saw an opening for himself. “I pestered Gulzar for a role while he spoke with Jaya. He softly told me that there was one, but not to tell Hrishida that he had told me about it.”
Asrani’s legacy
He has delivered unforgettable performances in movies like ‘Bawarchi’ (1972), ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975), ‘Bhagam Bhag’ (2006), ‘Dhamaal’ (2007), and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ (2007). He wasn’t just a comedian; he was an artist who brought sincerity to every role, whether it was a comic relief character or a heartfelt supporting role. And through it all, he never lost the humility that defined his beginnings as a teacher and mentor. Asrani may no longer be with us, but his laughter, his warmth, and his unforgettable performances continue to echo through generations.
