Govinda Indian actor and former politician Date of Birth: 21.12.1963 Country: India

Biography of Govinda

Govinda Arun Ahuja, commonly known as Govinda, is an Indian actor and former politician. He was born on December 21, 1963, in Virar, Maharashtra, India. His father, Arun Ahuja, was a popular actor in the 1940s, while his mother, Nirmala Devi, was an actress and a renowned traditional singer.

Growing up in a large family, Govinda was the youngest of six children. He was affectionately called "Chi Chi" or "Mizinchk" at home. He pursued a degree in commerce in college, but his father encouraged him to follow in his footsteps and try his luck in the film industry.

Inspired by the cult film "Disco Dancer," Govinda developed a passion for dancing and even received classical musical training as a child. He dedicated hours to practicing and recording his performances on video tapes. Soon, he was offered roles in commercials and eventually made his debut in the film "Ilzaam" in February 1986.

"Ilzaam" was a heart-wrenching love story between a poor boy and a wealthy heiress, and it became a huge box office success, ranking among the top five Bollywood hits of 1986. After this breakthrough, Govinda became a sought-after actor, starring in romantic comedies, action films, and family dramas.

In June 1999, Govinda was listed as the tenth greatest star of stage and cinema in the past thousand years by an online poll conducted by "BBC News Online." He gained a reputation as a talented comedic actor and frequently collaborated with director David Dhawan in 17 films. He also appeared alongside actress Neelam Kothari in several movies.

In addition to his acting career, Govinda joined the Indian National Congress Party and ventured into politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Mumbai North in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, in the 2004 elections. During his political tenure, he focused on issues such as transportation development, healthcare, and education.

However, Govinda faced criticism for being inaccessible to his constituents and for his alleged lack of action during the devastating floods in Mumbai in July 2005. Disillusioned with politics and eager to revive his film career, he left politics in 2008 but continues to support the Indian National Congress.

Govinda comes from an illustrious acting dynasty, with family members involved in acting, filmmaking, and producing. He married Sunita, the sister of his maternal uncle's wife, who had directed him in his debut film. They secretly married on March 11, 1987, and have two children, Narmada and Yashvardhan.

Despite facing ups and downs in his career, Govinda remains a beloved figure in Bollywood. His films like "Bhagam Bhag," "Partner," and "Life Partner" enjoyed commercial success. He continues to entertain audiences with his comedic talent and energetic dance performances.