ACTOR · BORN 1963
Govinda
- Born
- 21 December 1963, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Known for
- Maharaja (2024), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Partner (2007), Holiday (2014)
62 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Govinda (born 21 December 1963) is an actor best known for Maharaja, Bhagam Bhag and Partner.
62 Interesting Facts About Govinda
Interesting Facts (18)
- #001
Govinda played a negative role for the first time in Shikari which was released in 2000. Although the movie was not a commercial success, his convincing portrayal of a villain was critically acclaimed.
- #002
Was voted No.10 in a BBC News Online Survey to find out the Top 10 Greatest Stars of Stage and Screen of the last 1000 years.
- #003
He is married to a Nepalese woman. Often visits Nepal and has said "if a good script comes in a way, then I would not mind doing a Nepali film."
- #004
In 1996 Jackie Shroff signed Nana Patekar and Govinda for a film to be directed by David Dhawan. Jackie was only going to produce the film and not act in it.
- #005
Starred in the shelved film,Vishal Enterprises "Nehle Pe Dehla" Previously titled Namak Halaal. (1996) Starring Shatrughan Sinha,Manek Bedi, (Replaced Govinda), Samrat Mukherjee,Ritu Shivpuri, ( Replaced Shery Ahluwalia), Monica Bedi,Mohan Joshi, Music by Aadesh Srivastava, Directed by Sikander Bharti. Reels:3.
- #006
One of his best friends is Producer Shashi Prabhu. They produced a few films together.
- #007
When the film Ram Aur Shyam was first announced in 1993, it starred Govinda, Sunil Shetty, Indrani Bannerjee, directed by David Dhawan.It was eventually made by Manek Bedi and Samrat.
- #008
Was signed for Mere Do Anmol Ratan with Chunky Pandey. They both opted out and replaced by Arshad Warsi and Mukul Dev.
- #009
Voted tenth in a BBC News Online Poll For The Greatest Actors On Stage Or Screen. (2000).
- #010
When the film Bade Ghar Ki Beti was announced in 1986, Shashi Kapoor and Govinda were signed. They were later replaced by Shammi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoo.
- #011
Govinda signed the film Tamacha but later opted out. Sumeet Saigal replaced him.
- #012
In November 1992,Govinda, Divya Bharti and David Dhawan were signed for Mukesh Duggal's "Khilona". When the project was revived the subject changed.
- #013
Starred in the shelved movie Kailashpati Pictures "Jaan Ke Dushman"(1991) Starring Govinda,Mandakini,Shakti Kapoor, Music by Bappi Lahiri, Produced and Directed by Bhisham Kohli.
- #014
Starred in the shelved film Avadh International Films "Nidar"(1986/1990) Starring Govinda, Kimi Katkar, Anita Raaj,Sabia, Amrish Puri,Amjad Khan, Gulshan Grover, Music by Bappi Lahiri, Directed by Amu/Swaroop Kumar.
- #015
Starred in the shelved movie Durga Laxmi Productions "Naseebdaar"(1988) Starring Jeetendra, Govinda,Raj Kiran, Music by Annu Malik, Produced by Jawaharlal Bafna,Vasant Doshi, Directed by Kishore Vyas.
- #016
Starred in the shelved film Sadu Chitra's "Jigar" (Mera Khoon)(1983/1985).Starring Dharmendra,Zeenat Aman,Govinda (Replaced Kamal Haasan), Vijeta Pandit, Anita Raj, Danny Denzongpa,Music by Kalyanji Anandji,Produced by Jayant Malkhan and Directed by I.V.Sasi.
- #017
Govinda starred in R. K. Jain's shelved film "Aazma Kar Dekh Lo". The film's title was later changed to "Engineer No. 1" in 1998; it began in 1990 and was never completed. The cast was Govinda, Urvashi (South), Deepak Parashar, Hema Malini, Anita Raj, Satish Kaushik and Sadashiv Amrapurkar, with music by Laxmikant Pyarelal and writing by Ikbal Durrani. The producer and director was R. K. Jain.
- #018
Govinda appeared in the shelved Sadu Chitra film "Jigar" (Mera Khoon) (1983/1985). The cast included Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, Govinda (who replaced Kamal Haasan), Vijeta Pandit, Anita Raj and Danny Denzongpa, with music by Kalyanji Anandji, producer Jayant Malkhan and director I. V. Sasi.
Production Story (15)
- #019
Starred in the shelved film World Wide Enterprises "Aakhri Kartoos"(1988) To be made in Hindi and English. Starring Govinda, Shyamalee, Abhimanyu,Amrish Puri,Story by P.R. Chatterjee, Majid Khan,Music Bappi Lahiri, Produced by Indu Choudhry, Directed by Kirti Kumar (Hindi) and Ravin Khanna (English). Sonam was signed to play the lead role. But on the first day of shooting she reported very very late. She cost the producers alot of money. Fearing she would continue with this behavior,Indu Choudhary decided to have her replaced. Divya Bharti was a regular guest on the sets because she was doing Kirti Kumar's Radha Ka Sangam.. It was to be a James Bond type film. Meenakshi was also approached for the film but she declined.
- #020
Was going to produce a film titled "Seva". It was scripted by him and was a two hero action film. He shelved the film after Ssukh flopped.
- #021
Starred in the shelved movie Sham Ralhan Production "Jawaan"(1992) Starring Shatrughan Sinha, Govinda, Dimple Kapadia, Sonam (Mandakini), Amita Nangia.Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal, Produced and Directed by Sham Ralhan. Amita Nangia claims she was at the mahurat and her role was opposite Govinda. But Sham Ralhan wanted her to sign a 10 year contract. She did not want to and left the project.
- #022
Starred in the completed and shelved movie "Avatar"( 2013) Starring Govinda, Prashant Narayanan, Yashpal Sharma,Raika, Special Appearance by Sunny Deol and Shatrughan Sinha. Music by Sameer Tandon. Produced and Directed by Pahlaj Nihalani.
- #023
Starred in Jackie Shroff Entertainment's shelved film,"Raju Raja Ram". Starring Jackie Shroff, Govinda, Salman Khan (Later replaced by Sunil Shetty), Manisha Koirala (Earlier Madhuri Dixit was signed), Rakesh Bedi. Produced by Jackie Shroff, Avinash Adik, Prakash Jaju. Music by Anu Malik. Directed by David Dhawan. This was in 1997. The film was finally made as Tom Dick and Harry in 2006.
- #024
Govinda has a nephew named Ishendra who was to make his debut along side Govinda in the movie Hadh Kar Di Aap Ne. He was dropped from the film and he decided not to be an actor.
- #025
Starred in the shelved film Dharti Pe Swarg (1987). Starring Govinda,Neelam, Brando Bakshi. The film was to be directed by Veerendra. But after Mera Lahoo flopped, Govinda had him removed as director.
- #026
Starred in Devi Dutt's shelved film "Andaz Pyar Ka" (1987). Starring, Govinda, Neelam, Shraddha Verma,Chirag Patel,Sayeed Jaffrey, The director stalled the film when 3 of Govinda's films flopped at the box office. When he decided to shelve the film, Devi Dutt told the financiers and distributors it was due to Govinda's lack of professional behavior. He claimed Govinda was not giving him any dates.
- #027
After Radha Ka Sangam,Kirti Kumar and Govinda were going to make a film on social problems titled "Jyot Se Jyot Jale". The plans were dropped when Radha Ka Sangam flopped.
- #028
Govinda stated that he signed the role of Abhimanyu in Mahabharat. It was his mom who advised him to leave the serial. She wanted him to only do films. This upset B.R. Chopra.
- #029
Starred in the shelved film "Showman" (Fame)(2008). Starring Govinda (Govinda stepped in the last minute to replace Neil Mukesh. Shiney Ahuja was also first offered the same role.), Sunil Shetty,, Kay Kay Menon, Rimi Sen,Celina Jaitley,Anjori Alagh. Produced by Samir Sheth, Vinay Kumar Sinha. Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia.
- #030
Starred in the shelved film, Amit Enterprises "Dil Deewana Maane Na" (Dil Laga Ke Dekho)(1998). Starring Govinda, Rambha (Replaced Manisha),Ronit Roy,Saaed Jaffery,Satish Shah, Jaspal Bhatti. Music by Dilip Sen Sameer Sen, Directed by Naresh Malhotra. The film was shelved due to the storyline being the same as Pyaar Tho Houna Hi Tha.
- #031
Starred in the shelved film, Madhuban International's "Gunhahon Ke Phool" (Gairatmand)(Garazmamd). (1990). Starring Shammi Kapoor,Govinda, Farha,Om Prakash,Rohini Hattangadi,Aruna Irani,Raza Murad, Gulshan Grover. Music by Bappi Lahiri,Produced by Dinesh Patil,Kamla Rani, Hashim Khan, Directed by Yesh Chauhan. The film was previously directed by K Shashilal Nair. When Govinda and Shashi had a major problem, Govinda had the director replaced.
- #032
Starred in the shelved film "Kya Fool Hain Hum" (2008). Starring Govinda,Sohail Khan, Ranvir Shorey,Riya Sen,Ashish Chaudhary and Javed Jaffrey. Produced by Sangeet Sivan and Sanjay Ahluwalia, Directed by Ajay Chandhok. The film was later restarted as Jab Jab Fools Mile with Sanjay Dutt,Bobby Deol. Once again due to some unknown issues, the film was stalled. Sangeet Sivan attempted to start the film with Arshad Warsi,Tusshad Kapoor and Kunal Khemu. All plans were once again dropped.
- #033
Govinda appeared in the shelved Sham Ralhan Production film "Jawaan" (1992). Starring Shatrughan Sinha, Govinda, Dimple Kapadia, Sonam (Mandakini) and Amita Nangia. Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal, producer and director Sham Ralhan. Amita Nangia claims she was at the mahurat and that her role was opposite Govinda. However, Sham Ralhan asked her to sign a 10-year contract. She did not want to and left the project.
Behind the Scenes (4)
- #034
He actually sang for himself in some of his movies like, "meri pant bhi sexy" from "dulaara" and "gori gori" from "shola aur shabnam".
- #035
Had a major fallout with frequent co-star Sanjay Dutt on the sets of EK AUR EK GYAARAH. Whilst Govinda had a harsh argument with director David Dhawan, Dutt stepped in for Dhawan's defense. Although the movie was a critical and a commercial success, it remains Govinda's last collaboration with Dutt as of 2021.
- #036
He had a narrow escape from death on January 5, 1994. While travelling to a studio for the shooting of 'Khuddar (1994)', the actor's car hit another car, resulting in him sustaining injuries to his head. Though bleeding profusely, Govinda did not cancel the shooting. After visiting a doctor, he shot for the film till midnight.
- #037
His sister-in-law Sangeeta Singh produced the film Himmat (1996). Sangeeta is married to Govinda's uncle Anand; Sangeeta is also the sister of Govinda's wife Sunita. Sunita and Anand are the parents of actor Arjun Singh. Sangeeta later entered into a relationship with financier Dinesh Gandhi.
Characters & Cast (2)
- #038
Govinda was the original choice for Sunny Deol's role in Gadar.
- #039
When the film "Paanch Paapi" was first announced in 1986, it was being made under the banner Manish Films with the producer's Vikas and Veena Sharma. The film had Govinda,Kimi Katkar and Kim in the lead.
Career & Awards (5)
- #040
Govinda stated that in 1985 he signed 5 films as a villain. This was right after producer's saw his dance video.
- #041
Went for a world tour concert with Neelam, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Amit Kumar,Leena Das in October 1987. They visited cities in Canada, America and England. This was when Kishore Kumar passed away in India while Amit was on tour.
- #042
In 1988, pop star Parvati Khan had a pop album titled "Masti" released by Venus. Govinda sang two songs on the album with her. The songs names were "Pyaar Mera" and "Khai Jala Baboo".
- #043
Once mentioned in an interview he was inspired to take up break dance practice after watching John Travolta's performance as Tony Manero in the iconic disco blockbuster SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER(1977).
- #044
Govinda's wife Sunita's brother is Debu. Debu handled Govinda's work early in his career. Debu went on to act in Dulaara and Bedardi.
Life & Family (18)
- #045
Had a daughter who passed away at 4 months because she was a premature baby.
- #046
In the early part of his career, Govinda's brother Kirti would insist that of a producer came to sign Govinda,they must also sign him (Kirti) for either a acting or singing role in the film. It was common knowledge that Kirti wanted to become a actor very badly and not Govinda. Govinda joined films only for quick money as he was about to get married.
- #047
Elder sister Padma passed away from cancer. She was the mother of actor Krushna Abhishek and Aarti Singh. Padma developed cancer while she was pregnant with Aarti. When Aarti was a year old, Padma passed away.
- #048
Actress Kumkum is his maternal half-aunt. Kumkum and Govinda's mother Nirmala had the same father but different mothers. Kumkum and her sister Radha were born from Vasudev's Muslim mistress known as Munan Appa. Govinda's maternal grandfather' s name was Vasudev Maharaj aka Vasudev Narayan Singh. He was a famous Tabla player and hailed from a Kshatriya family in Benaras. Kumkum step father was Manzoor Hassan Khan from Hussainabad near Patna. Kumkum also has a younger brother named Zahid Ali Abrar. He went to school with Queen's lead singer Freddy Mercury. When the documentary on Freddy Mercury was made,Zahid appeared in it. Zahid Abrar is also the father of director Hadi Ali Abrar . Zahid also has another son named Jaffar Ali Abrar. Govinda is also related to actress Abir (Abeer) Abrar . She is Kumkum's niece.
- #049
Surprisingly Govinda gave a interview in the Stardust August 1987 edition magazine stating he was so happy and relieved he split from girlfriend Sunita. He accused Sunita of being a user who was a gold digger and schemer. Govinda went on to add Sunita was the one who spread rumors of Govinda and Neelam. There were several stories of Sunita pursuing Keshto Mukherjee's son Babloo Mukherjee.
- #050
Was engaged to actress Neelam in 1986, but Govinda's mother was against the relationship.
- #051
Maternal aunt was actress Radhika ( Raat Ke Rahi, Kala Samundar). Radhika was the sister of actress Kumkum. Kumkum and Radhika were the half sister's of Govinda's mother Nirmala Devi.
- #052
Niece Aarti Singh is a actress. She is the sister of actor Krishna Abhishek. She acted in the TV serial Parichaiy.
- #053
Has two children - a daughter and son.
- #054
Nephew of actor, director Anand (Jaan Se Pyaara).
- #055
Govinda's brother in law Devendra Sharma was also an actor. He is wife Sunita's brother. He acted along side Govinda in movies such as Radha Ka Sangam, Saajan Chaale Sasural, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Dulaara. He also handles Govinda's distribution office.
- #056
Nephew Amit Khanna acted in the TV serial " Yeh Dil Chahe More" He is the brother of Ragini and son of Kamini Khanna.
- #057
Govinda's uncle Anand's son is actor Arjun Singh. Arjun Singh debuted in Telegu films in 2007. The movies name was " Boys and Girls ". Arjun's father, actor, director Anand, directed Jaan Se Pyaara and acted in Golmaal. Anand was coincidently married to Sangeeta, who is the sister of Govinda's wife Sunita. This way Govinda is related to actor Arjun Singh in two relations. He is Arjun Singh's uncle if you see that Arjun Singh is wife Sunita' s nephew. He is also Arjun Singh's cousin when you see that Arjun Singh is the son of uncle Anand (Mom's brother).
- #058
Mother Nirmala Devi real name is Nazeem. She was also a leading actress who acted opposite Bharat Bhushan, Moti Lal and husband Arun Ahuja.
- #059
Cousin of actor Aakash Gaharwar ( Son of director R.P. Singh aka Rajendra Singh). Rajendra is the brother of Govinda's actor, director mama, Anand Singh.
- #060
Starred in the shelved film, Jupiter International's "Shaher - The City of Fire"(1999) Starring Govinda,Isheindra (Govinda's nephew). Music by Bappa Lahiri, Written by Meeraq Mirza, Produced by Gyanchand Chauhan,Shamji Patel. Directed by Krishankant Pandya.
- #061
Sister in law Sangeeta Singh produced the film Himmat( 1996). Sangeeta is married to Govinda's maternal uncle Anand, Sangeeta also happens to be the sister of Govinda's wife Sunita. Sunita and Anand are the parents to actor Arjun Singh. Sangeeta later got involved with financier Dinesh Gandhi.
- #062
Song lyrics writer,actor, Ravi Anand (Amaanat) was married to Govinda sister Pushpa Ahuja. He is the father of actor Vinay Anand. Ravi is not to be confused with producer Ravi Anand (Director Mukul Anand brother).
Related pages
- Kajol — Govinda comes up in the facts on that page
- Mithun Chakraborty — Govinda comes up in the facts on that page
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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