Emotional Priyadarshan recalls Asrani’s final days; says, “His last shot was for Haiwaan”

By Subhash K. Jha -

October 22, 2025 - 11:32 AM IST

When the prolific filmmaker Priyadarshan shot with the legendary Asrani last week, little did he know it would turn out to be their final collaboration. “Not just his last film — his last shot,” says Priyan tearfully, as we catch up with him the day after Asrani’s demise. “Asrani was like my elder brother. He would always advise me whenever I needed help. I first saw him in Gulzar Saab’s Koshish and was bowled over. He wasn’t just a comic actor — he could handle serious roles just as brilliantly. I worked with him for the first time in Hera Pheri 25 years ago. After that, he was part of almost every film of mine. We did 14–15 films together, maybe more. I’ve lost count.”

Emotional Priyadarshan recalls Asrani’s final days; says, “His last shot was for Haiwaan”

Fatefully, Asrani’s final two films are both with Priyadarshan. “He’s in Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, both starring Akshay Kumar. In fact, Akshay just called — he was in tears. We’re both missing Asrani already,” says Priyan, his voice heavy with emotion.

The filmmaker reveals that Asrani’s role in Haiwaan is among his most memorable. “He plays an old watchman in the building where the film is set. He’s hilarious, vintage Asrani. Luckily, he completed all his work for Haiwaan. For Bhooth Bangla, I had requested him to dub one word again, but he said his throat was bad. I can’t believe Haiwaan will be my last film with Asrani. I’ve lost a member of my family

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav remembers Asrani: “He was a complete actor in himself”