Sunita Ahuja says Govinda was a ‘victim of Bollywood politics', dismisses claims he ever came late on sets: ‘No one wants to see a poor man succeed'

Indian Express

12-05-2025

There have long been comments made by filmmakers and actors about Govinda allegedly arriving late on set. These claims have, over the years, affected the Hero No. 1 actor's image. However, in a recent interaction, Govinda's wife Sunita Ahuja dismissed such accusations, calling them baseless rumours. She further alleged that Govinda had been a victim of politics within the film industry.
When asked about reports of Govinda frequently being late to set, Sunita told Zoom, 'They would spread rumours about Govinda. He would go to set and people would talk behind his back.' Accusing people in the industry of doing politics with the Raja Babu star, she said, 'Govinda ke sath politics toh hua hai bahut (Lot of politics have happened with Govinda). No one wants to see a poor guy become famous and successful. So many of his films have been stopped from releasing. But why? Because he was a superstar and I won't take any name but there is a lot of politics in the film industry.'
Sunita also shared that seeing Govinda — an outsider — make a name for himself in the industry against all odds, has influenced the way she advises their children — Yashvardan Ahuja and Tina Ahuja. She said she tells them not to expect Govinda to make calls for them or use his influence to help them get work. She said, 'Tina has struggled a lot. Both Tina and Yash are self-made. Everyone has a godfather, my kids don't have a godfather, they have a father, and their father won't call up people for them. I have told my kids to stand on their own.'
She added, 'Govinda also didn't have a godfather. he came alone from Virar and became a star. I tell my kids no one can stop you from becoming a star if it is written in your destiny even if Govinda doesn't call anyone asking for favours. No one is standing with Govinda from the film industry but he did become successful.'
However, in an earlier interaction with Mukesh Khanna, Govinda had admitted to never arriving on a film set on time, explaining that he had to follow his own process. He said, 'I never used to arrive on time on set. I was a follower of Dilip Kumar sahab. I didn't believe in late and all. I used to first set my rhythms right. Jab tak mere sur taal nahi set ho jaaye, main set pe nahi pahuchta tha (Till the time my rhythms wouldn't be set, I would not go to the set).'