Bollywood actor Govinda has spoken about one of the most difficult periods of his life. In a recent interview, he recalled the deep pain he felt after his mother Nirmala Devi passed away in 1996. The actor admitted that he walked into the Narmada River at that time, believing he would meet her again. He also explained why his successful partnership with director David Dhawan ended after 17 films together.
Govinda recalls entering Narmada River after mother’s death in 1996
Govinda was very close to his mother, Nirmala Devi. She was a well-known Hindustani classical singer and actress. She died on June 15, 1996, at the age of 69. Her death left the actor completely shattered.
Speaking to ANI, Govinda described the state he was in after losing her. He said, “I was in a lot of pain. I was in tremendous pain. At that point, I felt that everything was over; that was it”. The grief was so heavy that he could not see any reason to move forward.
The actor then recalled a specific incident at the Narmada River. He said, “So, I was at the Narmada River, I thought I would go a little farther into the river and that I would meet my mother again. So, I went into the river”. When the interviewer asked if he was trying to end his life, Govinda replied, “Kind of. I was deeply attached to my mother. I was too much in love with her”.
However, Govinda also made it clear that he does not see the incident as simply a suicide attempt. He explained, “That’s what the world calls it. People use suicide type of words. We don’t really have anything like that. Life never ends. It takes on new faces; It takes on new forms”. He shared his belief that life continues in different ways.
A sadhu helped Govinda come out of the river
While Govinda was in the river, a holy man, or sadhu, approached him. The actor now remembers this person as Ram Kundal. Govinda said, “He called out to me and came toward me. I came out of the river and he asked ‘What happened, Govind?’”.
This moment became a turning point. Govinda said that someone made him realise he was doing something wrong. He added, “I learned a lesson, I realised that I have to live for my children”. He said it took him about 10 to 15 days to fully come out of that dark state of mind. He eventually felt that there was something else in the world he needed to experience.
Govinda’s changed outlook on films and stardom
After this experience, Govinda’s view on his work changed completely. He said, “Films are just like toys for me”. He explained that he sees acting, stardom, and heroism as a gift from God. “Whatever we have received, we have received from God, and we are simply acting in it,” he said.
For Govinda, his biggest achievement was not his film career. It was fulfilling the dreams his mother had for him. He said, “The real achievement for me was that I could serve my family and my mother. I could fulfil all the wishes she had imagined for me”. He said that was the true heroism in his life.
Govinda explains why he stopped working with David Dhawan after 17 films
In the same interview, Govinda also spoke about his professional split with director David Dhawan. The duo delivered many hit comedy films in the 1990s, including Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Their partnership was one of the most successful in Bollywood. But after 17 films, they stopped working together.
Govinda shared his side of the story. He said, “We did 17 films together. David is like a God’s child”. He explained that Dhawan reached a point where he felt he could no longer move forward with Govinda. The actor said in Hindi, “Jis waqt use aisa laga ki samay aa gaya hai ki main Govinda ke saath aur aage nahi badh paunga, woh theher gaye”. This means, “When he felt that the time had come when he could no longer move forward with Govinda, he stopped there.”
Govinda said he wanted to make more films with Dhawan. “I wanted us to do an 18th and also a 19th film together, but he didn’t do it,” he said. He accepted Dhawan’s decision and said he never had any doubt about it.
Govinda says he and David Dhawan still share a bond
Even though they stopped working together, Govinda said their personal bond remains strong. He admitted, “Sometimes I used to get upset with him. I used to call him, and he would understand. Even now when my topic comes up, he starts crying. He is sincere. He is a good guy”.
Govinda also shared that he recently reached out to Dhawan before the release of his film. He said, “I called him before his film’s release as I felt like I should meet him. He called me after the release and told me to get over my troubles”.
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Govinda remembers his bond with Kader Khan
During the conversation, Govinda also spoke fondly about late actor Kader Khan. They worked together in many films and their comic timing was loved by audiences. Govinda said his chemistry with Kader Khan was “pre-programmed” and that he learned a lot from him.
He remembered a special moment when Kader Khan kissed his hand and said, “Tum mein baat hai Govinda”. This showed the deep respect and love they had for each other.
On the work front, Govinda is currently promoting his upcoming film Roopa, which stars newcomer Komal Rani Swarnkar.
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