Imagine a superstar who has a dream debut. His first film is a massive success, leading to a deluge of offers. He signs dozens of films in one go and even keeps his marriage a secret. However, his career trajectory changes dramatically after he rejects numerous film opportunities, leaving him without work. This superstar is none other than Govinda, whose rise and fall in Bollywood is both a fascinating and cautionary tale.
The superstar is Govinda, who had a smashing debut with “Love 86” in 1986. His performance was celebrated, and it didn’t take long for filmmakers to queue up with offers. In an old interview from 1987, Govinda revealed that he had signed as many as 70 films within a matter of weeks following his debut. During a conversation with ITMB Shows, he was asked about the rumors regarding his signing spree after his initial success. Govinda confirmed the buzz, saying, “I had 70 films.” He later clarified that out of the 70 films he had signed, many never made it to production. “Later on, 8-10 closed themselves, or maybe 5-6 did. Then 4-5 films I had to leave because of dates and scheduling,” the actor explained.
Govinda tied the knot with Sunita in 1987, just a year after his debut. He was only 24 at the time. Despite the milestone, he kept his marriage hidden from both the press and his fans for several years. He candidly spoke about his decision on the chat show “Rendezvous With Simi Garewal,” disclosing, “People had scared me that my female fans, who write me love letters and adore me so much, would abandon me if they knew about my marriage. I was worried I’d lose my image and my fan following.” It wasn’t until the birth of his daughter in 1989 that Govinda openly disclosed his ‘secret’ marriage to the public.
The 1990s truly belonged to Govinda.
. He churned out several box-office hits and was a force to be reckoned with. However, the 2000s told a different story. The era saw a drastic shift in his career, exacerbated by his decision to reject several films that later became major hits. One notable example was “Devdas,” a film where Jackie Shroff eventually stepped in and delivered a remarkable performance as a character artist, marking a memorable comeback. Govinda also claimed to have turned down James Cameron’s “Avatar,” the highest-grossing film globally for the longest time.
Despite his acclaim in the 90s, Govinda’s luck began to wane in the 2000s. His last major success on the silver screen was “Partner” in 2007. Over the subsequent decade, he worked on several high-profile projects, but success was elusive. Though he received appreciation for his performance in films like “Kill Dil,” these could not replicate the earlier magic at the box office. His final appearance on the big screen was in 2019 with “Rangeela Raja.”
Aside from his film career, Govinda also dabbled in politics. In 2004, he successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai as a Congress candidate. However, he resigned from his parliamentary role in 2008, following a brief revival of his film career post the success of “Partner.” In a surprising turn of events, earlier this year, Govinda made a political comeback by joining Shiv Sena just before the Lok Sabha elections.
Govinda’s life story is one of meteoric rise and somber decline, marked by monumental achievements and equally significant setbacks. His early career was laden with unbridled success and adulation, making him a household name. However, the challenges he faced in later years serve as a testament to the volatile nature of stardom in the film industry.
As of now, Govinda remains out of the limelight, focusing on personal projects and family life. His journey underscores the importance of making strategic choices and the unpredictability inherent in the Bollywood film industry.
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