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]
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 Gujranwala, Punjab which is now in Punjab, Pakistan, Govinda's mother hailed from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. His father came to Mumbai to become an actor in the late 1930s. He is best known for appearing in Mehboob Khan's Aurat (1940).[16] Aroon's professional career as an actor lasted for 15 years, from 1939 to 1954. In these years, he worked as a hero in 30 films. He produced one unsuccessful film which caused financial loss.[16] The family, living in a bungalow on Mumbai's 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]
After Govinda received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Vartak College, Vasai, his father suggested a career in films. Around this time, Govinda saw the film Disco Dancer (1982); afterward, he practiced for hours and circulated a promotional VHS cassette. He was offered jobs in a fertilizer commercial and an Allwynad.
He was offered the role of Abhimanyu in the popular mythological serial Mahabharat (1988) during its casting and he even had auditioned for it. Still, soon he bagged his first Bollywood film. His first lead role was in Tan-Badan (1986) opposite 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.
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 Coolie No. 1, another super hit film. Featuring a cast of familiar actors Karisma Kapoor, Kader Khan, and Shakti Kapoor, along with Harish Kumar, Sadashiv Amrapurkar and Mahesh Anand, the film follows the story of Raju (Govinda), a coolie (labourer), who pretends to be a millionaire to marry an arrogant rich man's daughter, but he ends up falling in love with her. Govinda received the 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]
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.
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.
In 2008, Govinda appeared in Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, directed by Bollywood choreographer Ganesh Acharya, which was a box office failure. This was followed by a 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 Mani Ratnam's project, Raavan, with Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. He played a 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 Jagmohan Mundhra's adult comedy, Naughty @ 40. Although the film received negative reviews, Govinda's performance was appreciated.[55] He also appeared in Rajnish Thakur's comedy, Loot, and voiced Bajrangi the monkey for Nikhil Advani's animated Delhi Safari.
Govinda (second from right) with Johny Lever (extreme left) at ICFPA concert in 2013
In 2014, Govinda appeared in A. R. Murugadoss's Holiday, starring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha.[58] This was the second collaboration of Govinda and Akshay Kumar after Bhagam Bhag.
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]
Govinda with his daughter, Tina Ahuja, amid an award event
His brother, Kirti Kumar, was an actor, producer, director and singer. His sister, Kaamini Khanna, was a writer, music director, and singer. Govinda's uncle Anand Singh (assistant to director Hrishikesh Mukherjee), introduced him in Tan-Badan. Singh's sister-in-law, Sunita Munjal, fell in love with Govinda at this time, and they were married on 11 March 1987, with their marriage remaining a secret for four years.[86] Their children: daughter Narmada "Tina" Ahuja and son Yashvardhan have worked in Bollywood films. Tina made her Bollywood debut in the Second Hand Husband (2015). Their eldest daughter who had a premature birth died when she was four months old.[87]
Govinda has six nephews and two nieces who are mostly in the Mumbai entertainment industry: actors Vinay Anand, Krishna Abhishek, Aryan, Arjun Singh, Ragini Khanna, Amit Khanna, Aarti Singh and director Janmendra Kumar Ahuja (alias Dumpy). Govinda's brother-in-law, Devendra Sharma, has appeared in several Hindi films.
Govinda was seriously injured on 5 January 1994 while travelling to a studio for the shooting of Khuddar. The actor's car collided with another car, and he sustained head injuries. Although he was bleeding profusely, Govinda did not cancel the shoot; after seeing a doctor, he worked until midnight.[88][89][90]
During the elections, he said his agenda would be prawaas (transportation), swasthya (health) and gyaan (education). In the field of transportation, he claimed 80% credit for the quadrupling of the Borivali-Virar section of the Western Railway zone. According to official sources, he made some efforts in the fields of health and education. The Thane district collector said in an interview that Govinda had committed money from his "local area development fund" (allocated to each MP by the government) to construct anganwadis and solve drinking-water problems in Vasai and Virar but administrative approval was delayed.[citation needed]
Resignation
Govinda's film-star status could explain his inaccessibility to his constituents, but not his absence from parliament. During his tenure as the Member of Parliament, Govinda was usually absent when the Lok Sabha was in session and he was severely criticized for inactivity.[92] At the same time, he continued his film career while he was serving as an MP. Indeed, his career witnessed a comeback of sorts in 2007, after the release of Partner. He was pilloried in the press for the combination of continuing to act in films while being generally absent from parliament, and inaccessible to his constituents. On 20 January 2008, Govinda decided to leave politics and concentrate on his Bollywood acting career.[93]
Later Govinda said that he wasted his time by joining politics and it badly affected his films.[94]
In January 2008, Govinda slapped a struggling actor, Santosh Rai, on the set of Money Hai Toh Honey Hai at Filmistan Studio in Mumbai which led to Rai filing a complaint against Govinda which reached the Supreme Court after the lower courts didn't find any evidence against Govinda. In December 2015, the Supreme Court asked Govinda to apologise to Rai for slapping him and settle the whole matter out of the court immediately in the span of two weeks. The actor said that he "respects" the court's decision, and will decide when he receives it in writing.[96][97][98][99]
Govinda has stated on multiple occasions that he was offered Sam Worthington's role in the 2009 film Avatar directed by James Cameron. Govinda also stated that he suggested the title of the film to Cameron and that he refused the role because he was unwilling to paint his body blue, despite the fact that Avatar relied on extensive CGI and not blue paint. His claims were met with widespread trolling on social media. Neither Cameron, nor any member of the Avatar franchise has confirmed this claim to be true.[100]
Music career and collaborations
Govinda has worked with music directors Anand Milind and Anand Raj Anand and playback singer Udit Narayan. Narayan has sung more than 100 songs for Govinda in more than 50 films, the greatest number of films and songs he has sung for a particular actor. Other singers associated with Govinda include Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar, Kumar Sanu, Vinod Rathod, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Devang Patel and Sonu Nigam. Also, his elder brother Kirti Kumar has sung 2 songs for him. In the film Farz Ki Jung (1989) there was a popular song "Phool Ka Shabab Kya, Husn Mahatab Kya..." which was sung by Late Mohammed Rafi picturized on Govinda.
His first album, Govinda, was released in 1998.[101] In November 2013, Govinda released his second album, Gori Tere Naina, with actress Pooja Bose. Govinda also wrote lyrics. He is lyricist of "I Love You Bol Daal" song in Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999).
In 1999, Govinda was voted the world's tenth-greatest star of stage or screen in a BBC News Online poll.[102] In July 2016, he was recognised as Actor of the Decade at the India Leadership Conclave in Mumbai.[103]
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