New Delhi, Oct 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the demise of renowned Bollywood veteran actor Govardhan Asrani and described him as a "gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist".

Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow and described Asrani as a "gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist" who brought joy and laughter to generations of audiences through his memorable performances.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Govardhan Asrani Ji. A gifted entertainer and a truly versatile artist, he entertained audiences across generations. He particularly added joy and laughter to countless lives through his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian cinema will always be cherished. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," wrote PM Modi.

His last rites were held at the Santacruz Crematorium on Monday.

Govardhan Asrani, popularly known by his stage name 'Asrani', passed away at the age of 84. According to his manager and close friend, he died due to a chest infection at 3 p.m. on Saturday (October 20).

The actor's official Instagram account handler shared a post confirming his demise.

Just hours before his passing, the actor had shared a Diwali post on his social media account, extending festive wishes to his fans.

Notably, Asrani was one of Indian cinema’s most enduring comic actors, with a career spanning over five decades and more than 350 films to his credit. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, he refined his acting skills before making his entry into the Hindi film industry in the mid-1960s.