Actor Govinda / Wikipedia

In the dazzling world of Bollywood, where heroes come and go, few have burned as brightly - and faded as suddenly - as Govinda. With his infectious smile, zany dance moves, and comic timing that could light up a cinema hall, Govinda became a household name across India in the late '80s and '90s. But just as spectacular as his rise was, his fall was equally dramatic - a tale woven with missed opportunities, changing tastes, and personal missteps.

The rise: from Virar to stardom 

Govinda, born Govind Arun Ahuja in 1963, came from a modest background. His father, actor Arun Kumar Ahuja, had faded from fame, and his mother, an eminent singer, had stopped playback singing. Financial struggles marked Govinda's early life. Perhaps it was this hunger that propelled him into the film industry with relentless energy.

He made his debut with Love 86 in 1986, opposite debutant Neelam. Actor Karan Shah, the original choice for the film, was busy with other projects and introduced director Esmayeel Shroff to Govinda - the boy from Virar, looking for a breakthrough. After a few screen tests, Govinda was chosen. The film was a huge box office hit, and Govinda carved a niche for himself with his dancing abilities and comic timing, emerging not as the typical brooding Bollywood hero but as the "common man's superstar."

Hits like Ilzaam, Tan-Badan, Suhaagan, Marte Dam Tak, Sindoor, and Khudgarz followed. His movies resonated with audiences craving laughter, color, and relatability.

By the late '80s and '90s, Govinda was flooded with offers. At a time when heroes signed four or five films, he had a staggering 17 films lined up at once. Massive hits like Shola Aur Shabnam, Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, and Dulhe Raja cemented his superstardom. His collaborations with director David Dhawan became legendary, delivering blockbusters like Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Saajan Chale Sasural, and Deewana Mastana. They made 18 films together, but the partnership later fell apart, and Dhawan stopped working with him.

The magic formula 

Govinda became unstoppable, delivering hits like Shola Aur Shabnam, Jaan Se Pyaara, Radha Ka Sangam, Zulm Ki Hukumat, Naach Govinda Naach, Baaz, Raja Babu, and Aankhen.

His unique appeal lay in a perfect blend of comic timing, dancing skills, and relatability. Very few could deliver slapstick humor with such earnestness. His vibrant, energetic dance style made him a youth icon. In an industry full of polished, urban heroes, Govinda's earthy persona stood out. His versatility - effortlessly switching between comedy, action, and emotional drama - made him both a mass favorite and a critical darling, redefining the masala entertainer.

It was his Midas touch that actors like Sanjay Dutt and even the great Amitabh Bachchan tried to tap on when their career was at a standstill, and Govinda obliged with films like Haseena Maan Jayegi and the aforementioned, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.

The fall: changing tastes, changing times

However, as the 2000s dawned, Bollywood began to change. Audiences leaned toward more stylized, urban narratives. Govinda's loud, slapstick comedies started to feel outdated to a generation hooked on multiplex cinema and global aesthetics.
Several factors contributed to his downfall. Most notably, his unprofessionalism - arriving late on sets and clashing with filmmakers - tarnished his reputation. His brand of comedy became his trap, limiting his role choices. He also famously turned down major films like Subhash Ghai's Taal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas.

Eccentricities and superstitions

In an attempt to revive his career, Govinda turned deeply to astrology and religion. He began performing poojas and rituals even on film sets, visiting shrines in secrecy to avoid public attention. "Yes, it's true I didn't want people to know I was visiting shrines," he explained. "Not for any other reason but because there could be a stampede. I have great faith in God, and I perform a lot of pujas."

His eccentric behavior made him the subject of ridicule among filmmakers. Govinda also began wearing a huge kada embedded with blue stones on his right hand and a Rudraksha bracelet on his left wrist. "The kada is embedded with stones. When an evil eye affects me, the stones fall off," he explained. "See how many stones have fallen? I don't even realize when it happens. When all the stones fall, I'll have to discard it." He spoke with blind faith that exuded superstition.

Comeback attempts

Govinda attempted a comeback with the help of his close friend Salman Khan. His role in Partner (2007) alongside Salman was moderately successful, reintroducing him to a younger audience. However, the spark wasn't quite the same. Sporadic appearances in films like Bhagam Bhag, Kill Dil, and Rangeela Raja couldn't recreate his past magic.

Yet, Govinda's fan base remained fiercely loyal, and his old songs and dance numbers continue to inspire memes, tributes, and nostalgia.

Legacy

Today, Govinda is remembered as Bollywood's ultimate entertainer - a man who, at his prime, could make a nation laugh, dance, and forget its worries.
Young actors like Ranveer Singh and Varun Dhawan openly cite him as a major influence. Salman Khan has always praised his close buddy, saying, "I have been offering him roles and told him to make a comeback, but he keeps refusing."

Arjun Kapoor adds, "For my generation, Govinda has been a huge inspiration. He was number one."

Ranveer Singh, a massive fan, shared his admiration: "Working with him in Kill Dil was a dream come true. He's the most underrated and spontaneous actor. He does his scenes in one take, so effortlessly. I call him the Jim Carrey of India. Not many know he inherited singing talent from his mother. He would sing on sets while Shaad played the guitar. I had goosebumps when I heard him."

Preity Zinta fondly recalls: "With Govinda, you had to be on your toes. He might be late, but he'd wrap up his scenes in two hours. If you missed a cue, he'd give it himself. You learned a lot working with him."
In the glitzy, often serious world of Bollywood, Govinda brought unabashed fun, heart, and vibrancy - a contribution no fall from stardom can ever erase.

Family above all

Despite his erratic schedules and professional turbulence, Govinda has managed to keep his family close. Rumors about marital discord have surfaced, but for now, peace prevails. "Without any relationship, life is like a desert without an oasis," he reflects. "I am lucky to have a beautiful daughter whose love and respect for elders make me a proud father."

His son, Yashvardhan Ahuja, trained at the London School of Acting, is gearing up for his own Bollywood debut. "The credit goes to my wife Sunita," says Govinda. "She left no stone unturned in raising our kids the right way."