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Govinda

Govinda Arun Ahuja (born in Virar, Maharashtra India), popularly known as Govinda, is an actor in Hindi films. Starting with his debut in 1985, he has acted in over 120 Hindi films.

In 2004, he joined politics, winning a parliamentary seat from Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Govinda was born to Arun Ahuja and Nirmala Arun Ahuja. He studied at Annasaheb Vartak College in Vasai, Maharashtra. His elder brother Kirti Kumar is an actor and director. He has appeared in some of Govinda's films playing supporting roles and has directed his brother in some films most notably Hatya (1988). Govinda initially wanted to marry actress Neelam with whom he had made many films but eventually gave up and married according to his mother's choice. .He married Sunita Govind Ahuja on 11 March 1987 and has two children with her. Govinda has been a successful comedy actor in Bollywood industry. After failing miserably in politics, he is attempting to make a comeback in Bollywood. Govinda made his film debut in the 1986 film Ilzaam which was a success and launched his career. He acted in a string of movies after that with mixed success. He was often paired opposite Neelam and together they appeared in hit films such as Love 86 (1986), Khudgarz (1987) and his brother Kirti Kumar's directed Hatya (1988). He worked with David Dhawan for the first time in the 1989 film Taaqatwar which was an action film. He then did several other films with David Dhawan most notably Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) and Aankhen (1993), that were not only successful but also pulled Govinda towards comic roles. He then went onto star in many successful comedy films in the 1990s which were directed by David Dhawan and where he was frequently paired with actresses such as Karishma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon.

Raja Babu (1994), Coolie No. 1 (1995), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Hero No. 1 (1997), Deewana Mastana (1997), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999) and Jodi No. 1 (2000) were some of the hit movies that the Govinda and David Dhawan combination did.

In an attempt to try a different role, Govinda played a negative role for the first time in Shikari (2000). Although the movie was not a commercial success, Govinda's convincing portrayal of a villain was critically acclaimed. His movies since then have not been box-office succeesses.

He decided to move to politics in 2003 and did not have any new film releases although some of his delayed films released in 2005 which were Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen and Ssukh the latter which he had also produced.

Govinda made a comeback to films in 2006 with the comedy film Bhagam Bhag which was the first film of his to have success at the box office since Jodi No.1 in 2000. His first 2007 release was the huge multi-starrer Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love. Although a box office disappointment, Govinda was praised for his performance.

His last release Partner In which he starred along with Salman Khan and directed by David Dhawan. Partner turn into becoming a super-hit within its 3 day weekend gross.

In 2004, Govinda joined the Congress party, and was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament from Mumbai with a thumping majority of beating the 5 time sitting MP by over 50000 votes.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2007.

Govinda Facts

Birth NameGovind Arun Ahuja
OccupationActor
BirthdayDecember 21, 1958 (65)
SignSagittarius
BirthplacePunjab, India
Height5' 8" (1m73)  How tall is Govinda compared to you?

Selected Filmography

Raja Babu
The Wolfpack
Swarg
Bhagam Bhag
Red Sands
Albela
Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna
Lost and Found
Kill Dil
Partner
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