From the archives: Asrani’s journey from Jaipur to Bollywood and struggle to fame

In 2010, I got the opportunity to interview Asrani at his home in Mumbai's Juhu neighbourhood. The Delhi magazine where I was working was looking for a senior celebrity – someone who had inspired others with his professional zest. When I mentioned Asrani’s name, the editor agreed instantly.

Asrani was 69 at the time. I fixed an appointment with him over the phone through his manager. Having grown up watching his iconic films like Mere Apne, Chupke Chupke, Parichay, Koshish, Chhoti Si Baat and Sholay, I was thrilled at the thought of meeting him face-to-face.

His spacious house was tastefully done up, with a corner reserved for the awards he had received over his career. The interview lasted more than two hours. He did most of the talking, his boundless energy and perfect voice modulation on full display. He shared interesting insights into his life and the world of cinema.

Govardhan Asrani was born in 1941 in Jaipur, where his father ran a cloth shop. His love for acting surfaced at a young age – when he was in the sixth standard, he played the heroine in a stage production. When he saw the applause that greeted a classmate’s dance performance, he too wanted that adulation.

Asrani unsuccessfully tried to find work at the local All India...

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