Indian cinema bid a heartfelt goodbye to one of its most beloved comic legends, Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, who passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. With a career spanning over six decades, Asrani’s charm, wit, and impeccable comic timing made him one of the most cherished faces in Bollywood. Though fans fondly remember his recent appearance in Ayushmann Khurrana’s “Dream Girl 2”, few know that this was not his final film.

In fact, Asrani’s cinematic journey will continue posthumously with two unreleased films — “Bhoot Bangla” and “Haiwaan”, both slated for release in 2026. These films, directed by the acclaimed Priyadarshan, will serve as a final gift to his fans — a celebration of laughter, nostalgia, and timeless performance.

Asrani shared a long and memorable association with Priyadarshan, bringing joy to audiences in iconic comedies like “Hera Pheri,” “Bhagam Bhaag,” “De Dana Dan,” and “Welcome.” Their creative partnership has been a source of countless smiles, and fans are eager to witness that magic once again in his final works.

The first of these, “Bhoot Bangla,” marks the reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after more than a decade. The film, a horror-comedy, promises the signature Priyadarshan-style entertainment, featuring an ensemble cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Rajpal Yadav, Vindu Dara Singh, and Manoj Joshi. The buzz suggests that “Bhoot Bangla” may recreate the charm of Priyadarshan’s 2007 hit “Bhool Bhulaiyaa.”

Meanwhile, Asrani’s other film, “Haiwaan,” began shooting earlier this year. The actor was reportedly thrilled about the project and had shared his excitement in media interviews. Starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles, “Haiwaan” blends action, emotion, and humor — a genre mix that Asrani mastered throughout his illustrious career.

Paying tribute to the veteran actor, Akshay Kumar shared an emotional note on social media:

“My heart is heavy with the passing of Asrani ji. Just last week, we shared a warm embrace on the sets of Haiwaan. He was such a kind soul with unmatched comic timing. From Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhaag, De Dana Dan, Welcome, and now Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan, I’ve learned so much from him. The industry feels empty without him. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”

Though Asrani has left this world, his laughter, expressions, and evergreen characters will forever live on through his films. With “Bhoot Bangla” and “Haiwaan” marking the end of his incredible journey, these final performances will surely be remembered as a grand tribute to the man who made generations laugh. Asrani may have taken his final bow, but his legacy will forever echo in the laughter of Indian cinema.