Mumbai, Oct 21 (NationPress) Renowned singer Adnan Sami recently shared a touching tribute on his social media platforms to commemorate the late Bollywood icon Asrani, who sadly passed away on the 20th of October.

In his post, he featured a video clip from his beloved song 'Lift Karade', which showcased Asrani portraying his memorable character from Sholay. Adnan expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am profoundly saddened by the loss of our cherished legend Asrani ji.”

He continued, “A true genius of his craft, he was an artistic gem. While many will remember him for his extraordinary comedic talent, he was versatile in all genres. His dramatic performances were equally outstanding. Yet, his iconic portrayal of the 'Angraizon Ke Zamaanay Ke Jailor' in Sholay will forever be etched in our hearts!”

Adnan recounted, “I had the privilege of collaborating with him when I invited him to star in my music video for 'Lift Karade', where he graciously revived his legendary 'Jailor' character. His commitment was commendable; he ensured that every detail of his costume reflected the original design from Sholay—the wig, moustache, and uniform. His passion for his craft was a lesson for all of us. He was a true gentleman, filled with love and grace.”

Concluding his tribute, Adnan expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you, God, for allowing us to experience the brilliance of Asrani ji. Thank you, Asrani ji, for the countless memories! The realm of comedy and cinema is undoubtedly richer because of your invaluable contributions. May your soul rest in peace... #adnansami.” For those unfamiliar, veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, known widely as Asrani, passed away at the age of 84 on October 20 at 3 PM due to a chest infection in Mumbai. His last rites were conducted at the Santacruz Crematorium on Monday. The actor's official Instagram shared a heartfelt post regarding his demise.

They wrote, “The announcement of the king of comedy, the beloved actor Asrani ji, who captured the hearts of millions, has left us all in deep sorrow. His unique acting and humor gave Indian cinema a new identity. The life he infused into every character will always remain in our memories. His departure is a loss not only for the film industry but for everyone who ever smiled at his performances. May his soul find eternal peace. Om Shanti.”

Just hours before his passing, Asrani had shared a Diwali message to his fans on social media. With a career spanning over five decades, he appeared in more than 350 films. He received training at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, before making his mark in the Hindi film industry in the mid-1960s.

His memorable roles in classic films such as 'Sholay' and 'Chupke Chupke' solidified his status as a prominent actor. One of his most iconic performances was in Sholay, where he humorously parodied Hitler as the bumbling jailor, a role that has become ingrained in Indian pop culture.

Asrani's versatility was evident as he worked across various genres and languages, including Gujarati and Rajasthani films, and even ventured into directing several Hindi and Gujarati films.