Bollywood actor Govinda, one of the most beloved stars of the 1990s, continues to be a topic of discussion even today. Known for his impeccable comic timing, effortless dancing, and ability to rule the box office, Govinda once delivered back-to-back blockbusters that made him a household name. However, after the early 2000s, his career trajectory began to change.

Although his 2007 comeback with Salman Khan in Partner was commercially successful, it failed to restore his earlier stardom. Now, veteran filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani, who worked with Govinda on several iconic hits, has made a bold statement, alleging that the actor’s career was deliberately sabotaged by certain people in the film industry.

Nihalani’s Big Revelation

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Pahlaj Nihalani revealed that after the release of Partner, things drastically changed for Govinda. He claimed that the actor suddenly stopped getting offers, and even big projects that were in the works were shelved midway. Nihalani specifically mentioned that a film co-starring Priyanka Chopra was among the casualties.

“After Partner, everything turned against him. He didn’t get any films, and several big projects collapsed in the middle. It was like someone stabbed him in the back—you don’t see the wound, but the damage is there. This happened to Govinda many times,” Nihalani said.

Govinda Was Never Unprofessional, Says Nihalani

Addressing a long-standing perception in the industry that Govinda was unprofessional or often late to shoots, Nihalani strongly dismissed such claims. He defended the actor’s work ethic, recalling his own experiences of working with him on films like Ilzaam (1986), Shola Aur Shabnam (1992), and Aankhen (1993), all of which were box office successes.

According to the filmmaker, “These are not baseless speculations, they come from my own experience. After Rangeela Raja (2019), many filmmakers asked me if Govinda had ever caused trouble while working with me. I told them clearly—never. He was always punctual. He has shot for me at 6 a.m. and never turned up late. Saying he was unprofessional is completely wrong.”

Bollywood’s Harsh Reality

Nihalani also shared his thoughts on the culture of relationships in Bollywood. He remarked that real friendships do not exist in the industry and that loyalty lasts only as long as someone is successful.

“In this industry, friendships are not real. People will stand by you when things are going well, but once the tide turns, no one remains. In fact, when someone’s film flops, people celebrate behind their back. That is the harsh truth of Bollywood,” Nihalani stated.

When asked whether he ever advised Govinda to take a different path in his career, Nihalani admitted that he refrained from interfering in the actor’s choices. “It’s not right to impose advice on someone, because it feels like you’re putting yourself above them. Speaking the truth is one thing, but trying to direct someone else’s life is another. I will never say anything wrong about Govinda, either as an actor or as a person. Yes, sometimes his decisions may have been flawed, but that doesn’t change his talent or dedication.”

Govinda’s Legacy and Industry Politics

Govinda’s career arc—from being the ultimate entertainer of the 1990s to struggling for roles in the 2000s—reflects the volatile nature of Bollywood stardom. While Partner was expected to reignite his career, industry politics and shifting audience preferences seemed to work against him.

Pahlaj Nihalani’s revelations highlight the darker side of showbiz, where success and failure are often influenced by factors beyond an actor’s control. Despite the setbacks, Govinda continues to enjoy a loyal fan base, and his films from the 1990s remain timeless favorites for audiences across generations.

Final Word

Whether Govinda’s career decline was due to deliberate sabotage or simply the changing dynamics of Bollywood, one thing is certain—his contribution to Indian cinema is irreplaceable. With his infectious energy, comic brilliance, and dance moves that defined an era, Govinda’s name will always remain etched in Bollywood history.