Once hailed as a king of Bollywood’s comedy films and stellar dance moves, Govinda enjoyed stardom in the 90s and early 2000s. He worked in iconic films like Coolie No. 1, Hero. 1 and Raja Babu which were loved by masses. But, over the years, the actor had to face a massive decline in his career and different actors and filmmakers who worked with him cited different reasons for it. Recently, film producer and former CBFC Chief, Pahlaj Nihalani joined that list and took a dig at David Dhawan and Salman Khan.
Pahlaj Nihalani blames pandits for Govinda’s career slump
Pahlaj Nihalani, who produced multiple films featuring Govinda like Aankhen and Raja Babu, sat down for an interview with Vickey Lalwani. He blamed Govinda’s blind trust in some people and his poor company as a cause for his fading career. The producer explained that the actor used to manage his career well but easily trusted a few astrologers who distracted his mind. In his words:
“He keeps the company of pandits and the atmosphere he has around him and what he believes in. But people don’t take those conversations seriously. These types of conversations and this aura are damaging for his career in the film industry.”
Pahlaj also talked about the hit film, Partner, which was released in 2007 and gave a momentary comeback to Govinda’s declining career. He claimed that the actor was the ideal choice for that role, but director, David Dhawan and co-star, Salman Khan made it look like they were doing a favour to the Coolie No.1 actor. Sharing how Govinda often doesn’t realise these things, he said:
“Govinda got so emotional and woh itna nasamajh hai. They acted like they were obliging Govinda, but they actually wanted only him to play that role.”
Pahlaj Nihalani claims David Dhawan poisoned the mind of Govinda against him
Earlier, Pahlaj Nihalani had worked with the duo of Govinda and David Dhawan which delivered popular films like Aankhen in 1993. But, later, they didn’t work with him. Talking about the same, the film producer alleged that David Dhawan turned Govinda against him which is the reason why they didn’t work together again. Sharing how David was often absent from the set of his film, he said:
“David Dhawan had filled Govinda’s mind with poison against me. The story was mine, the screenplay I had written, dialogues were written by Anees Bazmee. I would also record the songs and shoot them. So David was only there to shoot the scenes. In fact, he was even absent for 27 days while shooting the climax.”
Pahlaj Nihalani states nothing can come between Govinda and Sunita Ahuja
At the start of 2025, a news report claimed that Govinda and his wife, Sunita, were going to part ways after 37 years of togetherness due to his affair with a Marathi actress. Sharing his views on the same, Pahlaj mentioned that nothing can come between the couple’s love and their marriage can survive even If the actor has multiple affairs. Pahlaj added that Govinda and Sunita have lived separately for a long time now because the actor remains busy with his work, but he is always with her.
What do you think about Pahlaj Nihalani’s revelations related to Govinda?
Next Read: Sitaare Zameen Par’: SRK Gives Kiss, Poses With The Specially Abled Stars Of Movie In Screening