Actor Govinda's 24 years in the film industry has been a real roller-coaster ride. Today when he celebrates his 47th birthday, we take a look at his journey so far…
Sometime star Govinda has spent 24 years full of ups and down in Bollywood. As he turns 47, we chart his graph in life, love and the movies.
Born on December 21, 1963, Govinda was the youngest of 6 children and was nicknamed Chi Chi, which means little finger in Punjabi. His childhood was spent in hardship as his father was unable to work.
A commerce graduate, the young Govinda tried and failed to get a job. He was turned down for a steward's post at the Taj Mahal Hotel because his English wasn't good enough. Destiny had other plans for him.
Govinda's actor-producer father suggested Bollywood. Govinda had recently watched John Travolta starrer Saturday Night Fever and became obsessed with dancing
A few commercials later, Govinda landed his first movie role in Tan Badan, directed by his uncle Anand. His second movie, Ilzaam (1986), released before Tan Badan and was a huge hit making Govinda red hot box office property
Ilzaam established Govinda's credentials as a dancing star with it's chartbusting song I Am A Street Dancer.
The Eighties were a mixed bag for Govinda. Among his better films were Love 86, Khudgarz (1987), Marte Dam Tak (1987), Dariya Dil (1988), Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1988) and Jungbaaz (1989)
Govinda's pelvic thrusts were matched by actress Neelam's and together they made a popular screen couple, with films Love 86, Khudgarz and Hatya.
The Nineties were Govinda's moment in the sun. Filmmaker David Dhawan directed him to comic superstardom in a series of laugh-a-minute blockbusters
Together, the Govinda-David Dhawan laugh riot gave Bollywood Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Saajan Chale Sasural, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana, Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Anari No. 1 and Jodi No. 1.
Govinda's comic timing was set off by his heroines of the time – Karisma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Manisha Koirala and Raveena Tandon.
He turned villain with 2000's Shikari, playing a sociopath murderer. The movie flopped, but Govinda's convincing performance was noted.
The Noughties haven't been good for him. Bhagam Bhag (2006) and Salaam-e-Ishq (2007) were his only hits till along came Salman Khan and gave Govinda's career the kiss of life with Partner.
Recently, he had a small role as a forest officer in Mani Ratnam's Raavan (2010). The movie tanked but, again, Govinda's performance was noteworthy.
Govinda took to the political stage in 2004, joining the Congress. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mumbai, defeating 5 time BJP MP Ram Naik.
Despite his tub-thumping win, Govinda proved to be politically incorrect for the Congress. Dogged by criticism and embarrassment, he quit politics to return to celluloid for good in 2008.
Unlike his professional life, it's been all quiet on the personal front for Govinda. He married wife Sunita while shooting his first film, and they remain together today. His marriage was kept under wraps for some years after he hit big time as a romantic lead.
Govinda and Sunita have two children – daughter Narmada, and son Yashvardhan.
Up next for Govinda: Partner 2, a sequel to the blockbuster Partner, and Run Bhola Run.
