Once Bollywood’s dancing, comedy king, Govinda (Govind Arun Ahuja) lit up the screen in the ’90s and early 2000s with iconic films like Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Raja Babu, and Aankhen.
But after a dominant era, his career began a steep decline. Now, in a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, veteran producer and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani unleashed a fiery critique, blaming Govinda’s own decisions—including trusting astrologers (pandits), being gullible, and tardy—for steering him off course .
Nihalani also took swipes at Govinda’s circle—specifically director David Dhawan and superstar Salman Khan—suggesting their involvement was more about optics than loyalty.
This article unpacks all those jaw‑dropping claims and what they mean—not just for Govinda’s filmography, but for Bollywood’s paranoia, power plays, and the price of superstition.
Key Topics at a Glance
| Topic | What’s Being Claimed | Why It Matters / What People Search |
|---|---|---|
| Superstitious beliefs | Govinda’s obsession with astrologers, fearing chandeliers falling, predicting drowned co-stars, banning pens from sets | “Govinda astrologers,” “Govinda superstition on sets” |
| Gullibility & trust issues | Described as naïve and too trusting of those around him | “Govinda gullible,” “Govinda naive personality” |
| Tardiness & overcommitment | Juggling 5‑6 films, signing B‑grade/C‑grade projects, late to sets | “Govinda late on set,” “Govinda too many films” |
| Broken relationships | Trust breakdown with producers/directors, including Nihalani and Dhawan | “Govinda broken ties David Dhawan” |
| David Dhawan’s betrayal | Accused of poisoning Govinda’s mind, pushing for ‘Partner’ optics, disappearing from shoots | “David Dhawan poison Govinda” |
| ‘Partner’ film drama | Dhawan & Salman framed as doing Govinda a favour, playing emotional tricks | “Partner Govinda comeback story” |
| Nihalani’s role & grievances | Claims he was sidelined after Aankhen, Dhawan stepped back from climax by 27 days | “Pahlaj Nihalani vs Govinda story” |
| Govinda’s own voice | Govinda says Bollywood conspired, turned on him, faced threats; stepped away, turned down ₹100 cr offers | “Govinda conspiracies Bollywood” |
| Political detour | Sat as MP (2004–09), joined Shiv Sena in 2024 | “Govinda politics MP Shiv Sena” |
The Full Story — Detailed Section by Section
Superstition & ‘Pandit’ Problems
Nihalani asserts superstitions became a daily ordeal: Govinda feared chandeliers would crash, predicted danger, insisted on wardrobe changes based on stars, and infamously banned pens from Jeeto Chappar Phaad Ke sets—all distractions on serious film sets.
These quirks, combined with his gullibility, made him unreliable in Bollywood’s high-stakes ecosystem.
Gullibility & Naïveté
Described as “nasamajh” (literally ‘not understanding’), Govinda put faith in anyone—astrologers, friends, circle advice—often to his detriment. What started as emotional sincerity allegedly morphed into toxic trust.
Career Overload & Chronic Lateness
At his peak, Govinda juggled too many films, incurring delays that frustrated cast and crew. The result? Broken trust and broken schedules—a lethal combo in Bollywood.
Damaged Industry Relationships
Nihalani says broken trust cost Govinda dearly. Too many B‑ and C‑grade attempts, constant lateness, and unreliability meant no one wanted to back him anymore . Reputation lost, roles dried up.
David Dhawan’s Alleged Poisoning
Their long history—18 films from Taaqatwar (1989) to Do Knot Disturb (2009)—turned sour. Nihalani claims Dhawan caused Govinda to turn against him, and even deserted Aankhen’s climax shoot for 27 days—leaving Nihalani to finish it.
‘Partner’ Controversy
Govinda’s 2007 hit Partner briefly revived his career—but Nihalani says it came at a price. Dhawan and Salman publicly presented it as a favour, while Govinda took the emotional hit, feeling indebted.
Nihalani’s Role & Resentments
As Aankhen’s producer, screenwriter, dialogue writer, song recorder, and sometimes unofficial director, Nihalani felt passed over by Dhawan in credits and respect . That 27-day no-show sting still bites.
Govinda’s Side of the Story
Govinda himself alleges systemic sabotage, defamation, even life-threatening threats during his career slump. He also said he turned down ₹100 crore projects by choice while maintaining integrity—and that Bollywood conspired against him.
Political Journey
Amidst the fallout, Govinda served as a Member of Parliament (2004–09) for INC, later switched to Shiv Sena in 2024.
Why These Points Matter to Searchers
- “Govinda astrologers superstitions” – Curious about celebrity quirks affecting careers.
- “Govinda naive” & “David Dhawan poison” – Fans want the real story behind Bollywood splits.
- “Govinda Partner comeback” – The comeback film’s emotional baggage interests people.
- “Pahlaj Nihalani vs Govinda” – Industry dramas attract tabloid readers.
- “Govinda conspiracies Bollywood” – His political accusations spark speculation.
- “Govinda MP Shiv Sena” – Political shifts drive researcher interest.
What Happens Next for Govinda?
- Superstition Accountability? Will Govinda shake off the astrologers? Only he can say.
- Rebuilding Trust: Busy tropes—film openings? Collaborations? Public image softening?
- Possible Reconciliation: Will Govinda & Nihalani patch things up?
- Controlled Comeback: Govinda plans new projects (three in pipeline) so watch for clean slate roles.
- Political Path Ahead: His new role in Shiv Sena may overshadow film talk.
Nihalani paints a picture of Govinda’s decline driven by superstition, gullibility, broken relationships, and hurt egos—all set against the backdrop of Bollywood’s harsh realities.
Underneath it all is a vibrant entertainer whose choices (and the choices of those around him) shaped more than just films—they shaped a legacy.
Will Govinda emerge stronger—smarter, more guarded, and more discerning? That’s the real comeback story everyone’s searching for.
