Afghanistan, Oct. 22 -- Veteran Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani passed away at 84 in Mumbai after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy.

Veteran Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness, Indian media reported on Monday.

He breathed his last at Mumbai's Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, with the news of his death confirmed by his nephew, Ashok Asrani.

His passing has left India's film fraternity in deep mourning, made more poignant by his final Diwali message posted on Instagram just hours before his death, wishing happiness to his fans.

The cremation took place at Santa Cruz, Mumbai, attended by close family members and ...