Govardhan Asrani, the beloved Indian actor who brought the character Zazu to life in the Hindi version of Disney’s The Lion King, has died at age 84 after battling a prolonged illness. His manager confirmed that Asrani passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades and over 350 films.
The actor’s death marked the loss of one of Bollywood’s most recognizable character actors, known particularly for his impeccable comic timing and memorable supporting roles. Asrani’s manager, Babubhai Thiba, announced the news and noted that the actor is survived by his wife, sister, and nephew. While the family confirmed his death followed a prolonged illness, the specific cause has not been disclosed.
While Western audiences may know Asrani primarily for voicing the loyal hornbill advisor Zazu in the Hindi audio version of Disney’s 1994 animated classic, his legacy in Indian cinema extends far beyond that single role. His career encompassed an impressive body of work that resonated across three generations of moviegoers in India.
Asrani became a household name in India through his collaborations with renowned directors and his appearances in some of Bollywood’s most celebrated films. He worked extensively with acclaimed director Hrishikesh Mukherjee and appeared in numerous comedy classics that remain beloved today. His performances in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Amar Akbar Anthony, Bawarchi, and Mere Apne cemented his status as one of Indian cinema’s finest comic actors.
Perhaps his most iconic role came in the 1975 film Sholay, where he played an unforgettable jailer character that showcased his unique ability to blend humor with memorable screen presence. Though a relatively small role, his performance in Sholay left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and continues to be celebrated decades later.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from fans across social media platforms, with many sharing their favorite memories of his work. One fan posted on Instagram, writing: “Thank you for making us laugh and cry. And showing us the reality that everything is momentary only.”
Other admirers expressed their grief while celebrating his contributions to Indian cinema. One described losing such a legend as truly heartbreaking, noting his work across over 350 films and five decades of bringing joy to millions. Another emphasized that Hindi cinema had lost a gem, noting that his performances in Sholay and Chupke Chupke would always be remembered for his unmatched comic timing.
Many fans highlighted how Asrani was integral to their childhood memories of comedy films, describing him as one of the best actors in character roles. One tribute noted that he was part of many absolutely lovable films during their growing up years, first encountering him in Mere Apne and later in Bawarchi. The tribute emphasized that he had a comforting presence in so many Hindi films.
Several fans specifically mentioned his versatility and longevity, with one noting that he made people laugh and brought enjoyment to three generations of India over more than 50 years. Another described it as a sad day for Bollywood, stating that his comic genius would live on forever through his unforgettable moments in classic films.
Throughout his extensive career, Asrani demonstrated remarkable range as a character actor, able to bring depth and humor to both large and small roles. His work bridged multiple eras of Indian cinema, from the 1970s classics that defined Bollywood’s golden age through more recent productions. His ability to connect with audiences across generations speaks to the universal appeal of his comedic talent and the warmth he brought to every performance.
The actor’s passing at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu closes the chapter on a career that helped define an era of Indian cinema. His work voicing Zazu introduced his talents to a global audience through one of Disney’s most successful animated films, while his extensive filmography in Bollywood secured his place as one of India’s most cherished character actors.
