A star of over 165 Bollywood films and a former member of the Indian parliament, Govinda is one of the most popular Indian actors of all time.
Childhood
Govind Ahuja was born on December 21st, 1963, in Bombay (Virar today). His mother was a former singer and actress Nirmala Devi, while his father was also a former actor Arun Kumar Ahuja, best known as Aroon. Govind had five other siblings. He graduated from Vartak College with a Bachelor of Commerce.
Acting Career
Immediately after college, Govinda, encouraged by his father, started seeking employment in the movie industry. His uncle Anand gave him his first leading role, in Tan-Badan, a movie he directed, in 1985. In 1986, he appeared in Love 86 and Ilzaam, both huge commercial successes.
By 1989, he made over half a dozen movies, most of them well-received by both the public and the critics. Awaargi came out in 1991. It was an instant hit and is now considered a cult classic in India. Apart from Govinda, the movie also features Anil Kapoor and Meenakshi Sheshadri. During the 1990s, Govinda starred in some of the greatest hits of Bollywood at the time, like Zulm Ki Hukumat, Hum, and Haseena Maan Jaayegi.
In the early 2000s, his career entered a slump, after he made several unsuccessful movies. Govinda made some errors in judgment, turning down roles in movies that became very successful.
He decided to try politics as a change of pace, but in 2006 Bhagam Bhag came out and instantly became a hit. It was followed by Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love, and Partner, directed by David Dhawan. In the first week, the movie grossed ₹300 million, becoming the second most successful movie in the history of Bollywood. In total, the movie earned ₹1.03 billion (US$14 million). It remade Govinda’s career and established him as one of the greatest Bollywood names. It also brought him several awards, including an IIFA Best Comedian Award and a Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Unfortunately, his next movie didn’t fare so well. Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, released in 2008, was a flop at the box offices. Chal Chala Chal did better and Govinda was praised for his performance. It was followed by a series of films that did terribly commercially speaking. Govinda was great in most of them, receiving critical acclaim, but unfortunately, it was not enough to save them. He hasn’t starred in a major hit film since Partner.
In 2016, he was named Actor of the Decade by the India Leadership Conclave in Mumbai.
Music Career
Govinda was always interested in music. He released his debut album in 1998. The second album came in 2013, called Gori Tere Naina.
Political Career
After joining the Congress Party, Govinda ran for Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. He won the election on the issues of transportation, health, and education. However, he wasn’t ready to neglect his acting career and came under intense fire by the press for his absence from the parliament. In 2008, he resigned his post and retired from politics.
Personal Life
Govinda married Sunita Munjal in 1987. They have two kids together, daughter Tina Ahuja and son Yashvardhan. Tina is also an actress and debuted in 2015 with a role in Second Hand Husband.
Govinda Net Worth 2024
Govinda has had a career spanning almost four decades. For most of that time, he was one of the most popular Bollywood actors and his movies made a lot of money. Govinda’s net worth in 2024 is estimated at $20 million.
