Govinda

Bollywood's powerhouse of laughter, Govinda was born into the Ahuja family on 21st December 1963. Govinda is the youngest among the six siblings. His father Arun Ahuja became an actor, when brought to Mumbai by Mehboob Khan in the film 'Ek Hi Raasta'. After acting in few more films Govinda's father produced a film by himself but it sacked at the box office. Soon, the Ahujas living in a bungalow at Carter Road later moved to Virar. And this is where Govinda aka Chi Chi was born. Since the earning man of house went low, it was Govinda's mom Nirmala Devi, who taken up the responsibility of the family.

Govinda graduated himself in commerce at Annasaheb Vartak College in Vasai. Post his studies, it was his father's will that Govinda should act in films. It was then the era of "Disco Dancer" and soon it also grabbed Chi Chi. He practiced hard and recorded the whole on VHS cassette and circulated that in the industry. Within no time, Chi Chi landed up with an advertisement followed by another with Allwyn advertisement. Lured by his charm, his uncle Anand signed him in his directorial venture 'Tan-Badan'. Apart from this, the lad went ahead and signing 40 other projects simultaneously.

His next film was 'Ilzaam' opposite Neelam in 1986. The famous track "Street Dancer" from the flick made him an overnight dancing sensation. The film too grabbed success and became a hit. Most of his later films zoomed in similar genres of action,drama and romance and was frequently paired with Neelam. His next movies like 'Love 86', 'Sadaa Suhagan', 'Mera Lahoo' and 'Khudgarz' also clubbed the success wagon.

As he prospered professionally, also he prospered personally. He met his life partner Sunita, the director Anand's wife's sister, on the mohurat shot of the film 'Tan-Badan' and they both fell for each other. Soon, both of them tied the knot in 1987. However his marriage was kept a secret till next four years. In the mean while, Govinda served the audiences with the films, such as 'Dadagiri', 'Hatya', 'Dariya Dil', 'Shiv Shakti','Aakhri Baazi' and 'Gharana', few from the archive. His first collaboration with his favorite director David Dhawan was rooted in 1989 with the movie 'Taaqatwar'.

Chi Chi's next films 'Shola Aur Shabnam', 'Aankhen' and 'Prateeksha' went on to become hits and this was when Govinda shined the comedy genre with the super hit flick 'Raja Babu' in 1994. And then, there was no turning back with the films like 'Coolie No.1', 'Saajan Chale Sasural', 'Hero No.1' and 'Deewana Mastana'. However, Govinda also experimented with other genres in 'Gambler','Zordaar' and 'Loha', which also proved good results at the ticket window. Later the star was crowned the best comedy actor for his contribution in comedy through 'Aunty No. 1', 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', 'Anari No.1' and 'Haseena Maan Jaayegi', which grabbed him his first 'Filmfare Award for Best Comedian' in 1999.

Then a storm of comedy blew out with 'Joru Ka Ghulam', 'Jodi No.1', 'Raja Bhaiya' that made Chi Chi indisputable in the comic genre with no one around to stop him. However, 2004 saw Govinda debuting into politics. With a happy family along with kids Narmada and Yashvardhan, the actor took a pause from the film industry and opted to stand for the Parliamentary elections from a leading party. In no time, Govinda was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). But sadly this time, the politico actor failed and disappointed the public with his not so good role into politics.

Nevertheless, Chi Chi soon realized his mistake and again opted for a comeback in the industry with David Dhawan's 2006 comic turmoil 'Partner' opposite Salman Khan. Salman is held responsible for arranging a smashing comeback for Chi Chi and he too believes so. Later the actor appeared in few flicks like 'Money Hain To Honey Hain', 'Do Knot Disturb', 'Naughty @ 40', but has profoundly proved low to deliver a hit.

Well though with few more flicks in his kitty, Govinda is planning to launch his daughter Narmada. Narmada's cousins Ragini Khanna and Krushna Abhisheik are a part of the film industry too. Many of Govinda's relatives are working in the industry.

And the laughter bomb named Govinda is still retaining the same power, like in earlier years.