Govinda (actor)

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Govinda
Govinda in 2013
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office
2004–2009
Preceded byRam Naik
Succeeded bySanjay Nirupam
ConstituencyMumbai North
Personal details
Born
Govind Arun Ahuja

(1963-12-21) 21 December 1963 (age 60)
Political partyShiv Sena (2024–present)
Other political
affiliations

Indian National Congress (2004–2009) [4][5]
Spouse
Sunita Ahuja
(m. 1987)
Children2
Parent(s)
Govinda family[6]
Residence(s)Juhu, Mumbai, India
Occupation
  • Actor
  • producer
  • politician
  • dancer
  • comedian
  • Singer
Years active1986-2019
Nickname(s)Hero No.1 , Chi Chi[7]

Govind Arun Ahuja (born 21 December 1963) known mononymously as Govinda, is an Indian actor, comedian, dancer, and politician, who has appeared in more than 165 Hindi-language films. Considered one of the greatest and most culturally significant Indian actors of all time, Govinda is known for his slapstick performances and dancing skills. He has received 12 Filmfare Award nominations and won two Filmfare Special Awards and one Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. In June 1999, he was voted the tenth-greatest star of stage or screen in last thousand years by BBC News Online poll.[8]

Starting out as an

Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni (1989), Swarg (1990) and Hum (1991). However, Govinda would go on to reinvent himself as a comic hero in the 1990s after his role as a mischievous young NCC cadet in the 1992 romance Shola Aur Shabnam and 1993 action comedy Aankhen in which he played dual role. Following the success of these films, Govinda had lead roles in several commercially successful comedy films, like Raja Babu (1994), Coolie No. 1 (1995), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Hero No. 1 (1997), Deewana Mastana (1997), Dulhe Raja (1998), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Anari No.1 (1999), Haseena Maan Jayegi (1999) and Jodi No. 1 (2001). He went on to win the Filmfare Special Award for Saajan Chale Sasural and the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for Haseena Maan Jaayegi
.

After a series of several unsuccessful films in the 2000s, his later commercial hits include

Dance India Dance Super Moms.[9][10][11] It received the highest TRP of any reality-show opening episode at that time.[12]

Govinda was a member of the

Maharashtra, India in the Lok Sabha elections of 2004.[13] In 2024, just before the Lok Sabha elections, he joined Shivsena.[14]

Early life and background

Govinda was born on 21 December 1963 to former actor Aroon (alias Arun Kumar Ahuja) and singer-actress Nirmala Devi.[15]

Govinda's father (Aroon Ahuja) hailed from

Carter Road, moved to Virar, a northern Mumbai suburb, where Govinda was born.[16] The youngest of 6 children,[17] he was given the pet name "Chi Chi," meaning "little finger" in Punjabi.[17][18]

Acting career

1986–1991: Early work and fame

Chunky Pandey at a birthday party for Bobby Deol

After Govinda received a

.

He was offered the role of Abhimanyu in the popular mythological serial

Khushbu, directed by his uncle Anand. Govinda began shooting for his next film, Love 86, in June 1985.[19] His first release was Ilzaam
(1986), followed by Love 86 that same year, both of which emerged as commercial successes.

He went on to star in many films of various genres between 1987 and 1989 including the family dramas Khudgarz (1987), Dariya Dil (1988), Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1988) and action and drama films including Hatya (1988), Marte Dam Tak (1987), Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1988) and Jung Baaz (1989). Govinda worked with David Dhawan for the first time in the 1989 action film Taaqatwar and worked with Rajinikanth and Sridevi in Gair Kanooni that same year.

In 1990, Govinda starred in the cult classic

Meenakshi Sheshadri. Swarg and Maha-Sangram co-starring Vinod Khanna, Aditya Pancholi and Madhuri Dixit
were also successful.

In 1991, he appeared alongside

Rajnikanth in the hit film Hum
.

1992–2001: Superstardom

Govinda and Anil Kapoor shake hands, as Govinda's wife looks on
Anil Kapoor, Govinda and his wife at the 2014 IIFA

In 1992, he starred in David Dhawan's action romantic comedy film Shola Aur Shabnam opposite actress Divya Bharti. The film was a box office success and Govinda's portrayal of a mischievous youngster and NCC cadet gained much praise.[20]

His successful collaboration with Dhawan continued with Aankhen, the highest-grossing film of 1993.[21] Govinda starred in the film in a dual role, alongside Chunky Panday. Aankhen was a blockbuster and established Govinda as a comic hero. Subsequently, he and Dhawan would make several successful comedy films throughout the decade. The film's soundtrack was also popular, particularly the song “Oh Lal Dupatte Wali” is still remembered as a symbol of the 1990s Indian music.[22]

In 1994, while Govinda had moderate success in action films such as Khuddar and Dulaara,[23][24] the comedy film Raja Babu became a super hit. Govinda played the lead role of Raja, a wealthy villager, who falls in love with a girl but she rejects him upon learning about his background. Once again directed by David Dhawan, and starring alongside Karisma Kapoor, Shakti Kapoor, Kader Khan, Aruna Irani, and Prem Chopra, the cast received praise. Govinda's chemistry with Shakti Kapoor and Kader Khan are especially celebrated.

In 1995, Govinda starred in David Dhawan-directed

Star Screen Award Special Jury Award for his role in this movie as 'performer of the decade'.[25][26] Over the years, it has become a cult classic.[27] In 2020, Dhawan remade the film with the same name with his son Varun Dhawan, Sara Ali Khan and Paresh Rawal. In the same year, Govinda also appeared in the action film Andolan, in which he co-starred alongside Sanjay Dutt for the first time. The film emerged as another success.[28]

In 1996, Govinda reunited with director David Dhawan again in the romantic comedy film Saajan Chale Sasural. After his first wife is presumed dead, Govinda in the role of Shyamsunder remarries. But when it is discovered that his first wife is alive, he has to juggle between his wives, keeping both his marriages a secret. Karisma Kapoor and Tabu feature in the roles of the two wives, while Kader Khan and Satish Kaushik play supporting roles. The film was declared a super hit and became the 2nd highest grossing Indian film of 1996.[29] The songs "Tum To Dhokebaz Ho" & "Dil Jaan Jigar Tujh Pe Nisaar" became popular.[30]

In 1997, Govinda starred in the comedy Hero No. 1, alongside Karisma Kapoor and an ensemble supporting cast of Paresh Rawal, Kader Khan, Satish Shah, among others. In the film, Govinda features as a wealthy business heir who hatches a plan to win the hearts of his girlfriend's family by working as a servant at their home. Upon its release, the film was another super hit for the actor and director David Dhawan, grossing 30.95 crore at the box office and was the seventh highest-grossing film of the year.[31] The song “Sona Kitna Sona Hain” is still remembered today. Govinda then starred in romantic comedy Deewana Mastana (1997), co-starring Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla. The plot of the film involves a love triangle between the three lead actors, as Govinda's character Bunnu, a mental patient, and Kapoor's character Raja, a crook, try to outsmart each other to impress Chawla's character Neha, a psychiatrist. It was the second hit of the year for Govinda and Dhawan, and despite mixed reviews, Govinda's performance was praised, with Anupama Chopra of India Today writing “Govinda, as always, is an absolute treat.”[32]

In 1998, Govinda headlined Harmesh Malhotra-directed comedy Dulhe Raja (1998), featuring Govinda as Raja, a loudmouth small time restaurant owner in conflict with a wealthy restaurant owner K. K. Singhania. Later on in the story, Singhania's spoilt daughter decides to exact revenge on her father by marrying Raja as Singhania tries to separate them. Including the cast members Raveena Tandon, Kader Khan, Johnny Lever and Asrani, the film became one of the biggest hits of 1998. The film's soundtrack was also a major hit, with songs like “Suno Sasurjee Ab Zidd Chhodo” and “Akhiyon Se Goli Maare” becoming significantly popular.[33] Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare later became the inspiration for the film a film of the same name by director Harmesh Maholtra, starring an almost identical cast.

Also in 1998, Govinda reunited with David Dhawan in the action comedy Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The film starred an ensemble cast with Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda playing dual roles as a police officer and thief each while also featuring actors like Raveena Tandon, Ramya Krishnan, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal and Sharat Saxena. It was inspired from William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. Released worldwide on 16 October 1998, it emerged as a major hit with a total gross collection of 35.21 crore, despite clashing with Karan Johar's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'’.[34] It was a highly anticipated film due to the collaboration of Govinda and Bachchan.[35] During an interview, Bachchan said that it was a task to keep up with his [Govinda's] energy and performance.[36] Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan earned Govinda a nomination for the best actor at 44th Filmfare Awards. The song “Kisi Disco Mein Jaaye”, featuring Govinda dancing in his trademark style along with Raveena Tandon, was a chartbuster.[37]

In 1999, Govinda starred in the comedy Anari No.1, depicting the story of a waiter named Raju kidnapping his rich lookalike Rahul, along with his girlfriend. Paired alongside Raveena Tandon, despite average reviews, Govinda's role was liked. K. N. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote that "See this one if you are a fan of Govinda and his brand of comedy".[38] It was hit at the box office.[39] Govinda then starred in Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999), a comedy film directed by David Dhawan. Also featuring Sanjay Dutt, Karisma Kapoor and Pooja Batra, with Anupam Kher, Kader Khan, Aruna Irani, and Paresh Rawal in supporting roles, it released on 25 June 1999 with positive critical reception and went on to become the fifth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 1999. It is often regarded as being amongst Govinda's greatest performances, as Govinda was nominated for Best Actor at the 45th Filmfare Awards and won the Comedian of the year award.[40] The song “What Is Mobile Number” was popular for its peppy tune and quirky lyrics.[41]

In 2000, Govinda played six roles in the spy romantic comedy Hadh Kar Di Aapne. Directed by Manoj Agrawal, and starring alongside Rani Mukerji, the film features Govinda in the role of a clumsy detective who takes a trip to Europe to investigate his friend's case. Upon release, the film was a commercial success. “Oye Raaju Pyaar Na Kariyo” sang by Anand Raj Anand was famous during the release.[42]

In 2001, Govinda paired again with director

Bollywood films of 2001). Govinda was nominated for another Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role
.

2002–2005: Slump and break from films

Govinda and Akshay Kumar holding an English flag
Govinda (left) with Akshay Kumar on the set of Bhagam Bhag

His career faced a setback during the early 2000s after a series of commercially unsuccessful films. His films,[44] Akhiyon Se Goli Maare,[45] Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta[46] and Ek Aur Ek Gyarah were all unsuccessful. Though he received nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta (2001) and Akhiyon Se Goli Maare (2002).

Govinda then joined the Indian National Congress. He won a seat in Parliament from Mumbai North by defeating five-time MP Ram Naik, a former Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, by over 50,000 votes in the 2004 general election.

The actor took a break from films during the period of 2003 to 2005. He had no new film releases in 2004 and 2005, although some of his delayed films were released during this time, (such as 2005's Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen and Ssukh— produced by Govinda and directed by his brother, Kirti Kumar and 2006's Sandwich) which were box-office failures.

2006–2009: Comeback

Govinda in a black satin shirt with Amrita Rao, a young actress
Govinda with Amrita Rao at a Life Partner party

Govinda made a comeback to films in 2006 with the comedy Bhagam Bhag (directed by Priyadarshan), in which he appeared with Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta. It was Govinda and Kumar's first film together.

His first release of 2007 was director

box office disappointment, Govinda's performance was praised.[47]

His second release that year was David Dhawan's comedy

Krishna Abhishek and Vinay Anand. Govinda also appeared in the song "Deewangi Deewangi", from Om Shanti Om (2007) starring Shahrukh Khan
.

In 2008, Govinda appeared in

TK Rajeev Kumar directed comedy, Chal Chala Chal. Govinda's performance was praised, and the film was successful. The same year, Salman Khan invited Dhawan and Govinda on his show, 10 Ka Dum
, to celebrate the success of Partner.

The following year, he played a lawyer in the hit, Life Partner, and his performance was praised by the critics.[49] Govinda rejoined Dhawan and Vashu Bhagnani for Do Knot Disturb; despite good reviews from critics, it was unsuccessful at the box office.[50]

2010–present: Recent work and setbacks

In 2010, Govinda appeared in

Forest Ministry employee who takes Vikram's character through the woods in search of a wanted criminal. Govinda denied reports that his character was a contemporary version of Hanuman,[51] and his performance in the minor role was praised.[52][53][54]

In 2011, he appeared in

.

In 2013, Govinda co-starred with Priyanka Chopra in K. C. Bokadia's box office failure, Deewana Main Deewana, which had been made about ten years earlier. The film, a Hindi remake of the Tamil film Priyamudan, was directed by Vincent Selva; Govinda's performance as a villain was praised.[56] He made his Bengali debut as a deputy inspector general of police in Dipak Sanyal's Samadhi, co-starring Gracy Singh and Sayali Bhagat, another box office failure.[57]

Johny Lever
(extreme left) at ICFPA concert in 2013

In 2014, Govinda appeared in

Holiday, starring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha.[58]
This was the second collaboration of Govinda and Akshay Kumar after Bhagam Bhag.

Three years after his last starring role, he starred in

Yash Raj Film's Kill Dil, directed by Shaad Ali, with Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra and Ali Zafar.[59] Govinda last played an antagonist in 2000's Shikari. In the film posters, he posed with a gun.[60][61][62][63] The trailer was released on 18 September 2014.[64][65][66][67][68] The trailer was appreciated by Amitabh Bachchan
. [69][70][71][72] The film was released on 14 November 2014; although Kill Dil was not a commercial success, Govinda's performance was praised by critics.[73]

He played a superstar in

Happy Ending with Saif Ali Khan and Ileana D'Cruz,[74] his first appearance with Khan. Its trailer was released on 9 October 2014.[75][76][77][78] The film was released on 21 November 2014; it was a box office disappointment, but Govinda's performance was praised.[79]

In 2015 Govinda appeared in Hey Bro, starring Nupur Sharma and Ganesh Acharya.[80]

In 2017, Govinda was seen as a cop in his home production Aa Gaya Hero, which was directed by Deepankar Senapati. The film also stars former Miss World Richa Sharma, Ashutosh Rana, Murali Sharma, Makarand Deshpande and Harish Kumar.[81] Aa Gaya Hero marks Govinda's third home production, after Hatya and Ssukh.[82] It was released on 17 March 2017. The film was not successful at the box office. He later starred alongside Varun Sharma in FryDay in 2018.[83] His last theatrical release Rangeela Raja in which he played a dual role in 2019, was panned by critics and audiences, and managed to recover only 1% of its budget.[84]

He appeared as a judge in Zee Bangla's Dance Bangla Dance in its Grand Finale in 2016 and 2018.

In 2021, he has appeared again as a judge for all episodes in Zee Bangla's Dance Bangla Dance.[85]

Personal life