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Published By : Satya Mohapatra | October 22, 2025 1:33 PM
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Remembering Asrani His Lifelong Bond with Jaya Bachchan

The Indian film world is mourning the loss of veteran actor Asrani, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84. While celebrated for iconic comic roles, his passing brings to light a deeper legacy—one defined by mentorship and a profound, lifelong bond with his most famous student, Jaya Bachchan. Their story began at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and solidified into a friendship that saw him stand as a "brother of the bride" at her wedding.

From FTII Teacher to a Fateful Introduction

Asrani's journey was deeply intertwined with FTII. He was a graduate of its very first batch. After struggling to find work in an industry that valued stardom over training, he returned to the institute as a professor. It was here that he taught an acting course to a young Jaya Bhaduri.

Their professional lives were launched together by the film Guddi. Asrani recalled that filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, guided by Gulzar, came to FTII seeking casting advice. Asrani led him to the canteen and introduced him to Jaya. That single introduction was a turning point. It landed Jaya her debut role and also secured a part for Asrani. The film's success brought them both into the limelight and, just as importantly, forced the industry to finally take FTII graduates seriously.

From 'Sir' to 'Brother of the Bride'

The teacher-student respect blossomed into a remarkable friendship. Asrani fondly noted that even decades later, Jaya Bachchan still greeted him as "Sir." His cherished place in her life was cemented at her wedding to Amitabh Bachchan. In a private ceremony, Asrani was given a place of honor. He served as one of the four "brothers of the bride," a role he shared with Gulzar, director Ramesh Behl, and a cousin.

How Indira Gandhi's Intervention Opened Doors

Their shared success also had roots in a crucial intervention from a young age. Asrani often spoke of the immense struggle he and his FTII peers faced. He recounted complaining directly to Indira Gandhi, who was the Information and Broadcasting Minister at the time. They explained that despite having professional certificates, no one in Mumbai would give them work.

Mrs. Gandhi reportedly took their complaint to heart. She later traveled to Mumbai and instructed film producers to hire the trained actors from the institute. This pivotal moment broke down the industry barrier. "After that, work started coming in," Asrani stated, noting that the casting for Guddi happened soon after.

A Celebrated Career and a Private Farewell

While his friendship with Bachchan was a defining part of his life, his public legacy remains his incredible versatility. He was celebrated for his comic genius in Sholay and hundreds of other films, yet also delivered subtle, nuanced performances in classics like Abhimaan and Chhoti Si Baat. His passing ends an era. In accordance with his wishes, the actor's last rites were held privately by his family at the Santacruz Cremation Ground.

  • Veteran actor Asrani, 84, passed away, leaving a legacy as both a comic icon and a key mentor to Jaya Bachchan.
  • Asrani was Jaya Bachchan's teacher at FTII and was instrumental in getting her cast in her debut film, Guddi.
  • He shared a lifelong bond with her and served as one of the "brothers of the bride" at her wedding to Amitabh Bachchan, alongside Gulzar and Ramesh Behl.
  • Asrani revealed that Indira Gandhi, as I&B Minister, personally intervened to help struggling FTII graduates get work in the film industry.