Hyderabad, Oct. 21 -- The well-known comedian Asrani, aveteran ofmore than 350films spanningalmost sixdecades, passed away yesterday at the age of 84. He will be rememberedfor his portrayal of characters in films such asSholay, Namak Haram, Guddiand many others. Heplayed a supporting actor's role as the close friend of the lead hero in many films between 1972 and 1995.

Asrani's full name wasGovardhan Asrani,and he was bornon January 1, 1940, in a middle-class Sindhi family in Jaipur. His fatherhad acarpet shop, but Asrani was uninterested injoiningthe business. He completed his matriculation from St. Xavier's School and graduated from Rajasthan College, Jaipur. To support his education, he worked as a voice artist at All India Radio, Jai...