25 minutes agoAuthor: Shaily Acharya
Govinda is once again in the spotlight as the 62-year-old actor prepares for another comeback. Alongside his professional plans, rumours about trouble in his marriage to Sunita Ahuja have also kept him in the news.
Shortly after Govinda was spotted with his co-star Komal Rani, Sunita’s reaction thrust their private feud into the public eye.
Govinda is back in the headlines due to a public feud with his wife, Sunita Ahuja. The controversy sparked after Sunita publicly accused the actor of dating his much younger co-star, Komal Rani Swarnkar, and even called him a “sugar daddy”. Hitting back, Govinda warned Sunita to “stay within limits,” accusing her of using abusive language and trying to sabotage his comeback.
Despite differences, Govinda recently appeared on the show Lock Upp 2 to support Sunita.
So, as Govinda finds himself back in the spotlight, let’s revisit his journey and the career that made him a superstar.
Govinda’s mother was a singer and actress
Born on 21 December 1963, Govinda grew up in a family connected to films. His father, Arun Kumar Ahuja, was an actor and filmmaker, while his mother, Nirmala Devi, was a singer and actress.
Govinda with his mother and other family members (AI-generated).
Govinda entered Bollywood with Ilzaam and Love 86 in 1986. Both films were successful, and within a few years, he became one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.
But Govinda was not just known for acting. His comic timing, energetic dance moves, and unique style became his biggest strengths. At one point, his popularity was so high that he reportedly had several releases in a single year.
When Govinda was competing with the Khans
There was a time when Govinda was considered powerful enough to compete with the biggest stars of Bollywood, including the three Khans.
1992’s “Shola Aur Shabnam” and 1993’s “Aankhen” established Govinda as a comic hero, with “ Aankhen ” becoming the biggest hit of 1993. “Shola Aur Shabnam” is considered the first comeback of Govinda’s career.
After this, Govinda worked with the film’s director David Dhawan in more than 10 blockbuster films, including “Raja Babu,” “Coolie No. 1,” “Hero No. 1,” “Dulhe Raja,” “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” and “Haseena Maan Jaayegi.”
Govinda worked with David Dhawan in 17 films
His partnership with director David Dhawan became a huge success. They worked together in 17 films, most of which were hits. At one point, Govinda was even considered strong competition for Bollywood’s biggest stars, including the three Khans.
Directed by David Dhawan, the film Aankhen was released in theaters in 1993. In this film, Chunky shared that the monkey was paid more than Govinda and him. He had 6 assistants and stayed in a 5 -star hotel during the shoot.
But behind the superstar was a very different personal story. Govinda met Sunita when he was still struggling. Their constant arguments slowly turned into love.
Govinda and Sunita’s secret love story
Govinda met Sunita Ahuja when he was still struggling in Mumbai. They initially fought frequently, but their arguments gradually turned into love.
Sunita was only 18 when the couple secretly married on 11 March 1987. Govinda reportedly kept the marriage private because he feared that getting married could affect his career.
Their daughter Tina was born a year later, after which Govinda revealed the marriage to the public.
The Neelam connection that almost changed his marriage
Govinda broke off his engagement with his wife for Neelam. Actor once shared “Sunita became insecure, and if she hadn’t called me, I would have married Neelam.”
Govinda’s name was most famously linked with actress Neelam Kothari. In an old interview, he admitted that he had even considered ending his engagement with Sunita and marrying Neelam.
However, Sunita eventually convinced him to stay in the relationship. Govinda was also linked to several other actresses during his peak years, although these remained largely rumours.
Years later, Sunita said that she had never caught Govinda cheating on her red-handed, even while acknowledging that rumours about his alleged affairs had affected their marriage.
Govinda secretly married Sunita Ahuja in 1987 and kept it hidden for over a year, fearing it would damage his rising stardom. Couple has 2 children Tina and Yashvardhan Ahuja.
From David Dhawan’s favourite hero to a career setback
Govinda and David Dhawan once formed one of Bollywood’s most successful actor-director partnerships. However, their relationship eventually turned bitter.
According to Govinda, disagreements over a scene during Ek Aur Ek Gyarah contributed to their fallout. Later, when Govinda wanted to revive the friendship, he claimed that David suggested he should take up smaller roles. The comment reportedly hurt him deeply.
The two eventually reconciled at Ramesh Taurani’s Diwali party in 2024.
When films stopped working, Govinda entered politics
He defeated BJP veteran Ram Naik by nearly 50,000 votes in 2004.
Govinda’s film career was sidelined after his relationship with David Dhawan soured. When films like “Albela,” “Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya,” “Ankhiyon Se Goli Mare,” and “Wah Tera Kya Kehna” began to flop, Govinda entered politics. In 2004, Govinda won the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat for the Congress party, becoming a Member of Parliament.
Govinda acted in several films like ‘Sandwich’ and ‘Sukh’ during his parliamentary term from 2004 to 2009, but they were not successful.
However, his political career did not last long. After leaving politics, Govinda tried to rebuild his position in Bollywood.
Suniel Shetty gave Govinda a much-needed opportunity
During one of his difficult phases, Govinda reportedly approached Suniel Shetty for work. Shetty was producing Bhagam Bhag and was supposed to play the character of Babla himself.
When Govinda asked him for a role, Suniel reportedly gave him his part. The film, directed by Priyadarshan, brought Govinda and Akshay Kumar together and helped put him back in the spotlight.
Then came Salman Khan and ‘Partner’
Salman Khan and Govinda starred together, while David Dhawan directed the film.
Govinda’s biggest second chance came with Partner in 2007. The combination worked brilliantly. Partner became one of the biggest successes of the year and is often regarded as Govinda’s second major comeback.
The success, however, did not lead to a permanent revival. Films such as Kill Dil, Happy Ending, Aa Gaya Hero and Rangeela Raja failed to recreate his earlier magic.
Govinda’s 7-year-long feud with nephew Krushna
Krushna shared this post after being reunited with Govinda and Sunita. In the picture, there is Krushna in bottle green coloured T-shirt (left) and Tina Ahuja (Orange outfit) near Govind and Arti Singh(on the right).
Tensions also surfaced between the family and Govinda’s nephew Krushna Abhishek and his wife Kashmera Shah. Public disagreements and comments kept the families apart for years, leading to a strained relationship.
However, after decades of bitterness, the families eventually chose to put their differences aside. Govinda and Krushna’s relationship gradually improved, while Sunita and Kashmera also moved towards reconciliation.
Their reunion marked a new chapter for the family, showing that long-standing differences can eventually be resolved with time and understanding.
The accident that shocked fans
In October 2024, Govinda accidentally shot himself in the leg with his licensed revolver at his Mumbai home. He was reportedly cleaning the weapon while preparing to leave for a flight when it went off.
He was taken to hospital and the bullet was removed. Govinda later described the incident as an accident.
Govinda claims unreleased films cost him ₹100 crore
Govinda has claimed that several of his films have been completed but remain unreleased. He has also alleged that people in the industry have worked against him and prevented his films from getting proper releases.
According to the actor, around ₹100 crore is stuck in these projects. He believes some of the films.
Salman likely to support his old friend Govinda
Before filming Partner, Govinda noticed Salman looking stressed and unhappy, bluntly telling him he didn’t “look like a hero.” He urged Salman to get fitter, work on his appearance, and reclaim his superstar status.
Now, Salman Khan appears to be extending his support to his old friend once again. Govinda is reportedly preparing for another comeback, with several projects being discussed.
His name has also been linked to Battle of Galwan and a possible Partner 2, although these projects have not received official confirmation.
After decades of superhits, controversies, relationships, politics and career setbacks, Govinda is now hoping that his next chapter will bring back the magic that once made him one of Bollywood’s most loved stars.
Notably, Govinda is going to be seen with actress Komal Rani Swarnkar in his upcoming “Roopa.”
Who is Komal Rani Swarnkar?
Rumours about the two gained attention after they were reportedly seen together at the Mumbai airport.
Komal Rani Swarnkar is a newcomer and aspiring Marathi actress whose name has recently been linked with Govinda.
The speculation became bigger when Sunita Ahuja appeared to refer to a woman named Komal while discussing rumours about her husband.
Sunita had recently stated in a podcast that she hates the name Komal.
Sunita has made strong comments about the alleged relationship, but there has been no confirmation that Govinda and Komal are romantically involved. Govinda has also objected to some of Sunita’s public remarks. Komal set to make her Bollywood debut with Govinda
Govinda is set to make his Bollywood comeback after seven years and is reportedly launching Komal through a film produced by him. There are also reports that Komal will appear in Govinda’s second film, Duniyadari.
In July, during a press conference for the upcoming film Roopa, Govinda introduced Komal to the media and praised her. He said that after watching the film, audiences would recognise her as a talented actress.
So, will Govinda be able to recreate the magic of 90s once again?
