Renowned filmmaker and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani recently talked about his long-standing association with actor Govinda, whom he introduced to the big screen in the 1986 film ‘Ilzaam’. He spoke about the actor’s early struggles in the industry and his public image.Pahlaj Nihalani about casting Govinda in his moviesIn a conversation on the podcast Learn From The Legend, Nihalani revealed that his original plan was to cast Mithun Chakraborty and Shatrughan Sinha in his film after making Aandhi Toofan, but Mithun’s schedule did not align with the film. Later, he chose to do the movie with Govinda.
Nihalani wasn’t impressed with Govinda’s appearance at first, but his skill and energy—especially in dance and action—were impressive. “I saw his pictures at first and I didn’t like them at all. I didn’t like his look. He came the next day with his dance video cassette… Then, although I didn’t like the face much, I cast him only because of his work.”Pahlaj Nihalani opens up about Govinda’s financial strugglesNihalani believes that there’s still no one as talented as him, even today, as an actor. He acknowledged that Govinda didn’t naturally fit typical roles like that of a doctor or police officer, but his star power eventually transcended those limitations.Nihalani offered the actor significant roles in Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen when Govinda was facing a struggling dip in his career. “When he didn’t have any work, I gave Shola Aur Shabnam to him… Then, when he didn’t have any work again, I gave him Aankhen. I changed his entire image,” he said. Aankhen was originally planned for Dilip Kumar and Mehmood.Pahlaj Nihalani talks about Govinda’s so-called attitudeHe further addressed the ongoing discussion about Govinda’s so-called attitude problem. “Govinda was always insecure in everything,” he said. Govinda’s father, Arun Kumar Ahuja, was once a prominent name but later faced severe setbacks. Those past hardships shaped Govinda’s ambition and personality.According to Nihalani, Govinda’s primary focus became financial stability for his large family. All he wanted to do in life was to earn money and do everything possible. “Uska attitude aisa ho gaya tha. Jab kaam aur pressure bahut tha, he developed a habit of that attitude,” he revealed.
