Govinda (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Govinda
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Govinda in 2018
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| Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
| In office 2004–2009 |
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| Preceded by | Ram Naik |
| Succeeded by | Sanjay Nirupam |
| Constituency | Mumbai North |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Govind Arun Ahuja
21 December 1963 Bombay, Maharashtra, India |
| Political party | Shiv Sena (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Indian National Congress (2004–2009) |
| Spouse |
Sunita Ahuja
(m. 1987) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | Arun Kumar Ahuja (father) Nirmala Devi (mother) |
| Relatives | See Govinda family |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1986–2019 (actor) 2004–present (politician) |
Govinda Arun Ahuja (born 21 December 1963), known simply as Govinda, is a famous Indian actor and politician. He has starred in more than 165 Hindi-language films. He was a top actor in the 1990s, known for his funny acting and amazing dancing skills. He has won several awards, including two Filmfare Special Awards and one Filmfare Award for Best Comedian.
Govinda started his career in the 1980s with action and dance roles. His first film, Love 86 (1986), was a hit. Other early successes include Ilzaam (1986) and Swarg (1990). In the 1990s, he became known for his comedy roles. Films like Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) and Aankhen (1993) helped him become a comedy star.
He then starred in many successful comedy films. These include Raja Babu (1994), Coolie No. 1 (1995), Hero No. 1 (1997), and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998). He won awards for his roles in Saajan Chale Sasural (1996) and Haseena Maan Jayegi (1999).
After a few less successful films in the early 2000s, he made a comeback. His later hits include Bhagam Bhag (2006) and Partner (2007). In 2015, Govinda also became a judge on the TV show Dance India Dance Super Moms.
Govinda was also a member of the Parliament of India from 2004 to 2009. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Indian National Congress party. In 2024, he joined the Shiv Sena party.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Govinda was born on 21 December 1963. His father, Aroon Ahuja, was an actor, and his mother, Nirmala Devi, was a singer and actress. His family has mixed roots; his grandfather was Punjabi and his grandmother was Sindhi. Govinda feels more connected to his Punjabi heritage.
His father, Aroon, came from Gujranwala, which is now in Pakistan. He moved to Mumbai in the 1930s to become an actor. Aroon acted in about 30 films. After his father faced financial difficulties, the family moved to Virar, a suburb of Mumbai, where Govinda was born. He was the youngest of six children. His family gave him the nickname "Chi Chi," which means "little finger" in Punjabi.
Acting Career Highlights
Early Success: 1986–1991
After finishing college, Govinda's father suggested he try acting. Govinda worked hard, practicing dance and making a video to show his skills. He got offers for commercials and soon, his first Bollywood film. His first lead role was in Tan-Badan (1986).
His first film to be released was Ilzaam (1986), followed by Love 86 in the same year. Both films were successful. Between 1987 and 1989, he starred in many films. These included family dramas like Khudgarz (1987) and action films like Hatya (1988). He first worked with director David Dhawan in the 1989 film Taaqatwar. In 1990, he starred in the popular film Swarg. In 1991, he appeared with Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth in the hit film Hum.
Becoming a Star: 1992–2001
In 1992, Govinda starred in David Dhawan's comedy Shola Aur Shabnam. The film was a big success, and people loved Govinda's role as a mischievous young cadet. His successful partnership with David Dhawan continued with Aankhen, which was the highest-grossing film of 1993. Govinda played two roles in this film, and it made him a top comedy actor.
In 1994, the comedy film Raja Babu became a super hit. Govinda played Raja, a rich villager who falls in love. His acting with Shakti Kapoor and Kader Khan was especially popular. In 1995, he starred in another David Dhawan hit, Coolie No. 1. Govinda played a laborer who pretends to be rich. This film became a classic.
In 1996, Govinda reunited with David Dhawan for Saajan Chale Sasural. This romantic comedy was a super hit and one of the highest-grossing Indian films that year. In 1997, he starred in Hero No. 1, another super hit directed by David Dhawan. Govinda played a wealthy heir who works as a servant to win over his girlfriend's family. He also starred in the romantic comedy Deewana Mastana (1997).
In 1998, Govinda starred in Dulhe Raja, a big hit comedy. He played Raja, a restaurant owner in conflict with a rich man. The film's songs were very popular. Also in 1998, he worked with David Dhawan again in the action comedy Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. He starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan, playing dual roles. This film was a major hit.
In 1999, Govinda starred in the comedy Anari No.1, which was a hit. He then starred in Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999), another comedy directed by David Dhawan. This film was a big success and is considered one of Govinda's best performances. He won an award for Best Comedian for this role. In 2001, Govinda teamed up with David Dhawan and Sanjay Dutt for Jodi No. 1, a buddy comedy. This film was also a hit.
Later Films: 2006–Present
After a break from films, Govinda made a comeback in 2006 with the comedy Bhagam Bhag, starring with Akshay Kumar. In 2007, he starred in David Dhawan's comedy Partner with Salman Khan. This film was a huge success, and Govinda won several awards for his performance.
In 2009, he played a lawyer in the hit film Life Partner. In 2010, he appeared in Mani Ratnam's film Raavan. In 2011, he voiced Bajrangi the monkey in the animated film Delhi Safari.
In 2014, Govinda appeared in Holiday with Akshay Kumar. He also starred in Kill Dil and Happy Ending in the same year. In 2017, he starred in his home production Aa Gaya Hero. His last film released in theaters was Rangeela Raja in 2019. Since 2022, he has not been acting in films.
Personal Life
Govinda's brother, Kirti Kumar, was also an actor, producer, director, and singer. His sister, Kaamini Khanna, was a writer, music director, and singer. Govinda married Sunita Munjal on 11 March 1987. They kept their marriage a secret for four years.
Govinda and Sunita have two children: a daughter named Narmada, also known as Tina Ahuja, and a son named Yashvardhan. Tina has also worked in Bollywood films. Govinda has several nephews and nieces who are also in the entertainment industry, including actors Vinay Anand, Krishna Abhishek, Ragini Khanna, and Aarti Singh.
Political Career
In 2004, Govinda joined the Indian National Congress party. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mumbai North. He won by a large number of votes against a long-time MP.
During his time as an MP, Govinda said his main goals were transportation, health, and education. He was praised for his efforts in improving the local railway system. However, he was also criticized for being absent from Parliament often and for continuing his film career while serving as an MP.
Leaving Politics
On 20 January 2008, Govinda decided to leave politics. He wanted to focus completely on his acting career in Bollywood. He later said that joining politics was a waste of his time and that it negatively affected his film career.
Joining Shiv Sena
In 2024, before the 2024 Indian General Election, Govinda joined the Shiv Sena party. He was welcomed into the party by Eknath Shinde.
Music Career
Govinda has worked with many music directors and singers. He has sung several songs in his films. His first music album, Govinda, was released in 1998. In 2013, he released his second album, Gori Tere Naina. He has also written song lyrics, such as "I Love You Bol Daal" from Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999).
Filmography
Awards and Recognition
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In 1999, a BBC News Online poll voted Govinda as one of the world's top ten greatest stars of stage or screen. In 2016, he was recognized as the "Actor of the Decade" at the India Leadership Conclave in Mumbai.
Govinda has received 12 nominations for the Filmfare Awards. He won a Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Haseena Maan Jayegi (1999). He also received a Filmfare Special Award for his role in Saajan Chale Sasural (1996).
Images for kids
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Govinda in 2018
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Left to right, David Dhawan, Govinda, and Chunky Pandey at a birthday party for Bobby Deol
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Anil Kapoor, Govinda and his wife at the 2014 IIFA
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Govinda (left) with Akshay Kumar on the set of Bhagam Bhag
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Govinda with Amrita Rao at a Life Partner party
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Govinda (second from right) with Johny Lever (extreme left) at ICFPA concert in 2013
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Govinda with his daughter, Tina Ahuja, amid an award event
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Govinda (second from right) at the 2012 Mother Teresa Awards
