Akshay Kumar ‘in depression’ after Asrani’s death, reveals filmmaker Priyadarshan

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has revealed that actor Akshay Kumar is depressed following the sudden demise of veteran actor Govardhan Asrani. The duo had been shooting together for the past several weeks, and according to Priyadarshan, Akshay has been deeply shaken by the loss of his long-time co-star and mentor figure.

“Akshay Kumar called me twice. He said that he feels he’s in depression,” Priyadarshan told News18. “he was working with Asrani sir for the past 40-45 days in two films. He would give Akshay a lot of advice. He also used to tell Rajpal (Yadav) about the mistakes he made in his life and how he shouldn’t make those.”

Asrani, 84, passed away on October 20 at 3 pm in Mumbai. The veteran actor, who had been actively working until days before his death, was last shooting for Priyadarshan’s upcoming film Haiwaan with Akshay Kumar. His last rites were performed the same evening at Santacruz Crematorium.

Akshay Kumar, who shared a long professional association with Asrani, penned an emotional note on X after the news broke. “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bahot pyare insaan the…he had the most legendary comic timing. From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our unreleased Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan…I had worked and learned so much from him. What an absolute loss to our industry. God bless you Asrani Sir, for giving us a million reasons to laugh. Om Shanti.”

Asrani, who began his career in the late 1960s, leaves behind a remarkable legacy with unforgettable performances in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Abhimaan, Dhamaal, Hera Pheri and Khatta Meetha.

For those who knew him, Asrani was more than just a comedian, he was a source of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.