Veteran comedian Asrani, who passed away at 84, once expressed regret over his involvement in the vulgar adult comedy ‘Mastizaade,’ lamenting the rise of explicit content in Hindi films. He believed audiences, being family-oriented, would eventually reject such vulgarity. Asrani’s iconic ‘Sholay’ role continues to be celebrated 50 years later.
Veteran star Asrani once spoke about the rising vulgarity in Hindi comedy films. He also revealed that he regretted being a part of one such film, starring Sunny Leone.
Working in Mastizaade
In conversation with PTI in 2016, Asrani said, “Mehmood sahab had started using double meaning dialogues and some of them worked, so others tried to cash in on the formula. It was still double meaning then but now it is vulgar, all that remains is taking clothes off.”
Elaborating further, he recalled working in 2016 adult comedy Mastizaade. “It’s terrible and horrible (the vulgarity in films these days). I did not know that the film would be made like this,” he added.
Faith in family-oriented audiences
Asrani believed audiences would ultimately turn back to cinema rooted in family values. He concluded, “People can discern now, the multiplex-going audience says we don’t like this vulgarity and this phase will get over soon. It won’t work for long because basically we Indians are family-oriented people.”Reflecting on the enduring appeal of his Sholay character, Asrani told the BBC earlier this year, “As Sholay completes 50 years, I can tell you—there has not been a single function or event where I haven’t been asked to recite those dialogues. It’s all because of Sippy saab’s direction and the writing of Salim-Javed. I got a chance to learn how to truly prepare for a role, and what a lesson it was. I salute Ramesh Sippy saab, I salute Salim-Javed saab. Even after 50 years, people still remember that role and those lines by heart.” Veteran actor Asrani, who passed away on Monday at the age of 84, appeared in over 300 films and was one of Hindi cinema’s most loved comedians.
Family statement
His family also shared a statement on his Instagram profile. It read, “Our beloved, the one who brought smiles to everyone’s faces, Asrani ji is no longer among us. His passing is an irreparable loss for both Hindi cinema and our hearts. The indelible mark he left through his performances will remain eternal. May God grant peace to his soul. Om Shanti.”
