Asrani's last wish for a private funeral fulfilled

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads tributes to a ‘gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist’

- By Lakshana N. Palat

Narendra Modi

The comedy king of Bollywood, Asrani, has taken his final bow. The veteran actor, whose impeccable timing had audiences in splits for over five decades, passed away Monday afternoon at the age of 84 due to breathing complications.

News agency ANI reported that Asrani’s last rites took place late last night at Santacruz Crematorium, attended only by family and close friends. True to his final wish, the ceremony was private, with no media or public presence.

According to India TV, Asrani had asked his wife, Manju Asrani, not to make the news public.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on X, writing: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asraniji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations. Om Shanti.”

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