Filmmaker Priyadarshan reunites with actor Akshay Kumar for their upcoming film Haiwaan, also starring Saif Ali Khan, but the genre marks a shift for the duo known for their iconic comedies.

Talking about taking the different route, Priyadarshan says, “Films should not become repetitive. I believe that when you see films like Pad Man, Rustom, and all those films, you see Akshay Kumar is capable of doing other kinds of movies also, not only comedy and those films are successful. I was not planning to do this film with Akshay, but Akshay himself insisted that he has never played a psycho. I thought he was kidding, but he said I'm serious about it,” he says.

Having two actors of such stature together is a casting coup in today’s time and the filmmaker agrees it couldn’t have been possible in the actors of today’s generation.

“Yes, that is true. I have worked with Akshay and Govinda, Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna, but there were never any issues because there were no ego problems between them. They both knew that they have a lead role and they have enough meat for themselves. But the new generation is very insecure. They always want to know what the other person is doing. They don't want to know what they are doing,” he says.

Haiwaan marks Priyadarshan and Akshay’s ninth film together. Ask him about how their equation has evolved over the course of these films, and the filmmaker says, “It is about our trust in each other. He never questions me. He will just come to the shot and ask what you want me to do and just do it. I am also very careful about what I am doing with him. I think this is what has worked for both of us. He has got a blind belief in me, and it gives me the responsibility that I should not let him down.”

The film also becomes poignant for Priyadarshan to break an image as his name has become synonymous to the comedy genre.

“I started my career with serious films like Virasat (1997), after Hera Pheri (2000), this comedy brand came on my head. But at the same time, fortunately, I have been making serious movies too in the South. Something unusual is always attractive, so I thought, this time let me try something different. Haiwaan is not a dark film and there's enough for you to laugh in between too. But it is a very emotional film. I always prefer films for family, so a family can watch Haiwaan together too,” he ends.

Kashmera Shah recently shared her thoughts on social media about marriages breaking down and young people losing faith in the institution. Coincidentally, this post came at a time when there have been reports of trouble in Govinda and Sunita Ahuja’s marriage. When we asked Kashmera if her post was in reference to the couple, she said, “No, it was not connected with them at all.”

Elaborating on what prompted her post, she said, “I just felt that in today’s world of social media with apps that allow you to fall in love or date people, the idea of love has just faded out.” The biggest change is the growing impatience around love, pointed out Kashmera. “I don’t like this fast food wala concept where love is treated like a hot meal,” she added.

The actress also recalled a recent moment during her trip to the US that touched her. “We were by the pool and saw somebody taking the effort to make a heart in the sky. It was so endearing. Such gestures stand out because they represent the effort and romance that are increasingly missing from modern relationships. Every day, whenever I open any social media platform, I hear about somebody breaking up. It’s disheartening to see youngsters today not believe in the institution of marriage or even in the institution of chasing or wooing someone,” she said.

Talking about social media, the actress said that she and husband Krushna Abhishek prefer to keep their relationship private. “We do not feel the need to share every aspect of our lives online. We both were in America recently, but did not post a single picture,” she said, adding, “We click pictures for ourselves. We don’t click it for our fans or other people. We feel it’s not important for people to know our every move because it’s our life and our business. We don’t need constant validation from the virtual world.”

Actor Govinda has responded to wife Sunita Ahuja’s repeated claims about his alleged extramarital affairs, saying he sees affection even in her public criticism of him.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “Itne pyaar se gaali deti hain mujhe, aur main khaata bhi hoon unke haath se... She has a rightful claim over the many children in our family who have now grown up. She was also kind to them.”

However, Govinda also questioned why one needs to “bad-mouth” one’s own people to find success. “There are many things that remain unexpressed, things that can never be put into words. If I were to offer just a glimpse of these matters from the outside, would there really be a need to cast aspersions to create a distance? People often view that as an escape. Is it essential to say bad mouth your own people to gain success? That is a bit easy. Sunita does it tactfully. She offers four words of praise or perhaps the praise comes naturally and then voices a criticism. I see more love in that.”

The couple tied the knot in 1987 and have two children, Tina and Yashvardhan.

Yashvardhan Ahuja’s Bollywood debut is turning into a family affair. While Yash is all set to make his debut with Ekta Kapoor’s Hero Ki Horrorine (previously titled Hundred), his mother, Sunita Ahuja, will also be making her Bollywood acting debut by playing his onscreen mother. We have now learnt that Govinda, too, is set to join the film for a special dance number with his son.

According to sources, Govinda will soon shoot a special song with Yash over a two-day schedule, marking their first on-screen collaboration. Besides adding to the film’s appeal, the song will also mark Govinda’s return to Bollywood after he was last seen in Rangeela Raja (2019).

nterestingly, the development comes shortly after Govinda announced his comeback to the big screen with Roopa, a film he is also producing. While Roopa marks his return as a leading man, Hero Ki Horrorine will see him make a special appearance alongside his son as Yash embarks on his Bollywood journey.

We reached out to Govinda and the production house, but they did not respond.

Incidentally, in an earlier conversation with us while discussing her stint on Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa, Sunita had confirmed that she would be making her Bollywood debut in a film starring her son. The reality show contestant had exited the series voluntarily owing to health issues.

Recalling the circumstances that led to her departure, she had said, “I got upset at that moment because everyone knew about my health condition. I was expecting food to be sent to me, but it didn’t happen, and I became very emotional. My diabetes also started getting worse because of the stress. I hadn’t eaten, yet I had to take my diabetes medication. I want to clarify that whatever I said was out of anger. I have a lot of love and respect for Netflix and Ekta Kapoor. From the very next day, they took great care of me. My doctor visited me three times a day, my diet was changed, and I was given food suitable for my diabetes. I’m truly grateful for all the care and support. I would love to work with Ekta again. In fact, I’m doing a film with Ekta that stars my son. Thank you so much.”

After months in the headlines over speculation surrounding his marriage to Ssunita Ahuja, Govinda is putting the drama back where fans first knew him best—the big screen.

The actor has announced his comeback film, Roopa, in which he will star opposite newcomer Rani Swarnkar. Govinda will also produce the project. The announcement comes seven years after his last theatrical release, Rangeela Raja (2019).

Reflecting on the setbacks in his career, the 62-year-old said in a press con on Monday, “Maybe it was destiny that I was written off many times. People said that now he will not appear in films. I start again.”

Govinda added that he hopes the film will connect with younger audiences. “I pray to God that what I have thought and what people cannot think, this film works its magic. This film is especially for youngsters.”

The comeback arrives amid intense public interest in Govinda and Ssunita’s marriage. Over the past year, Ssunita has addressed reports of separation and rumours linking the actor to a Marathi artiste, while recently speaking candidly about infidelity during her stint on the reality show Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa.

Farah Khan has worn many hats over the years — choreographer, filmmaker, YouTuber and now the host of Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa on Netflix. Bringing her trademark wit and no-nonsense attitude to the reality show, Farah believes the latest season’s biggest strength lies in its refreshingly unpredictable mix of contestants. In a chat with Mirror, she opens up about the casting that surprised even her, why she had very little role in selecting the inmates, and the toughest challenge of judging people she has known for decades.

“The teams have done a fabulous job of getting these contestants,” Farah says, adding, “They are all so different and not the kind of people you regularly see on reality shows. Whether it’s Shivangi Joshi, Harshad Chopda, Ram Kapoor, Akanksha Chamola, Varun... It’s such a mixed bunch. Who would have thought Madhuri Grover would come on a reality show? Or Sunita Ahuja? Because of that, you got a completely different kind of content. They’re not just fighter cocks; they offer varied content.”

Despite being the face of the show, Farah reveals she had very little involvement in the casting process. She says, “They had already started locking contestants much before they came to me. There’s a whole team that interviews and vets them. If I feel somebody would be good, I tell them, ‘Isko try kar lo,’ but this time I came on board much later, so I didn’t have much of a role in it.”

The bigger challenge, she admits, is putting personal equations aside once the cameras start rolling. “That’s the most difficult part because I’ve known Ram Kapoor for so long. Not everyone knows that I choreographed the song Chunari Chunari in Monsoon Wedding (which features him). I have known Sunita and Govinda since childhood. Govinda’s sister was our neighbour, and Krushna Abhishek was born there. I know Madhuri and Ashneer Grover (her husband)… so many of them personally.”

But familiarity doesn’t earn anyone special treatment. In fact, Farah insists it’s quite the opposite. She shares, “When I’m doing this job, I have to be honest to the job. In fact, I think the closer you are to me, the more you get it from me because I take that liberty. Ram really got it from me in the first week. He also took the liberty of talking back because he has known me for so long. But the following week, he apologized. He said, ‘I’m really sorry I spoke to you like that.’”

For Farah, the rules are simple once she steps on stage. “When Riteish and I are standing there, it has to be about the show. Whoever deserves an earful has to get an earful. Personal relationships can’t come in the way,” she says.

Mumbai: Producer Pahlaj Nihalani died at age 76 Thursday, reportedly of a liver ailment. He had produced successful films like ‘Ilzaam’ and ‘Aag Hi Aag’ which introduced actors Govinda and Chunky Panday respectively.

Nihalani’s first venture was ‘Haathkadi’ (1982) featuring Reena Roy’s song ‘Disco Station’, followed by ‘Aandhi Toofan’, ‘Paap Ki Duniya’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Gunaahon Ka Faisla’, ‘Mitti Aur Sona’ and ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’.

He was also president of the (former) Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for 29 years.

Nihalani courted controversies during his tenure as chairman of the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2015 until his eventual sacking in 2017. His criticism of certain artistes raised concern, and his 98 edits of ‘Udta Punjab’ were defeated after the makers approached court. Critics said Nihalani’s moralistic stand over the depiction of Indian culture in cinema contrasted with bold portrayals and songs in his own films like ‘Andaz’ and ‘Julie 2’.

He is survived by his wife and three sons. The last rites were performed at Santacruz crematorium where Govinda arrived to pay respects.

He said, “Nihalani ji was like a foundation stone for many of us. Several artists, including me, who rose from impoverished backgrounds, received his support and encouragement. He shaped the careers of at least one dozen artistes. He had a rare ability to identify talent and help people rise to the skies of fame.”

CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “The news of the demise of renowned film producer and former CBFC Pahlaj Nihalani is heartbreaking. His contribution to the film industry will be remembered forever. With his passing, the film world has lost an experienced personality.”

Veteran actor Shakti Kapoor has reacted strongly after fake reports about his death circulated online, calling the rumours completely fake.

“I am planning to file a cyber complaint against this. This is the second time such rumours have gone viral and I am upset about it. It is not good to spread such false rumours because it creates panic amongst family members and friends. Everyone started calling me after the reports surfaced online and I have been explaining to everyone about my safety and good health,” Kapoor told Mirror.

Urging people not to spread misinformation, he added, “This has happened not just with me but it keeps happening with actors. I feel people should fact check and not circulate wrong information.”

Sharing a health update, the actor said, “I am healthy and fine. I regularly do yoga and go for my walks and keep myself fit. Fitness is also a state of mind, when you feel happy you are fit. My work keeps me on my toes and fit, too.”

Kapoor also spoke fondly about his long association with Govinda and late writer-actor Kader Khan. “Kader Khan saab passed away. But, I am hoping that things will revive again and Govinda and I will be able to work again together and we will be able to bring back that magic,” he said.

It’s Mother’s Day, and what better time to talk about the new reality show Maa Hai Na and the mothers starring in it? After making guest appearances on screen over the past two years and sparking public curiosity, Sunita Ahuja, wife of actor Govinda, is set to make her reality show debut with the upcoming Zee5 series.

Ahuja will participate in the celebrity cooking show alongside daughter Tina Ahuja. The series, hosted by Shilpa Shetty Kundra, is scheduled to stream in June.

Having already started shooting for the show, Ahuja tells mid-day her decision stems from a desire to create her own identity. “My honourable husband Govinda told me, ‘Go ahead and work. But don’t use my name to get ahead in life.’ I want to stand on my own feet without anyone’s support.”

Despite competing with several popular faces, Ahuja says she feels no pressure. “I don’t find anything challenging in life. Whatever I do I make sure it’s top notch,” she says

Asked whether she is open to more reality shows, Ahuja replies in her trademark candid style, “I have understood in the last two years that money is important, not love. Pyaar karke dekhliya 40 saal. Now, whatever work I will do, I will do it for money. So, I am open to doing any kind of show.”

Even as Krushna Abhishek continued to fondly mention his mami Sunita Ahuja on several occasions, despite their alleged rift, the media has been closely tracking the family’s public fallout over the years. The controversy reportedly stemmed from Kashmera Shah’s strained equation with Sunita following some of her remarks, which Sunita believed were directed at Govinda.

Krushna’s comic punches on the controversy and heated media exchanges between the women further escalated the rift. The two parties distanced themselves since. That hostility finally ended a few days ago after over a decade, when the trio reunited on the sets of Laughter Chefs Season 3. Sunita was seen posing warmly with Krushna and Kashmera, as they announced that their “14 saal ka vanvaas ” had come to an end, choosing to let bygones be bygones and embrace a fresh start together.

Sunita told BT, “The celebrity cooking reality show’s creator Vipul D Shah came to me a couple of times and requested me to be on the show. I was the surprise package. Krushna, Kashmera were not aware that I was going to be there. Through the years that we weren’t on talking terms, we missed each other. We are family after all. Kashmera told Vipul that she wanted to apologize and make things right, but I thought she was unpredictable and probably felt the same about me. Krishna was five when we were together and I have raised him as my child. He is like my son Yash to me, so I knew he would be fine, but I wasn’t sure how Kashmera would react. She touched my feet for several minutes and said sorry. Krushna was shivering when he hugged me. We all had tears in our eyes.”

On burying the long-standing hatchet, she said, “I didn’t want to die with a grudge. Aaj kal insaan ka koi bharosa nahi. Aaj hai, kal nahi. The biggest regret I had was not seeing their twin sons, my grandchildren. They are nine now and mujhe unko dekhneka bohot laalach tha. I love kids. I saw them for the first time and was thrilled to discover that dono merepe gaye hai. They look like me as well (smiles). Kashmera warmly told them, ‘Yeh tumhari badi mummy hai. She’s young but she’s your naani’.”

Looking back, the star wife-turned-vlogger and actress added on an introspective note, “I missed the family gatherings we used to have. I am a family person. Krushna and I share similar sensibilities. We have great comic chemistry and quick one-liners. They are hosting an intimate get-together soon, and I’m looking forward to it. Krushna has carved a distinct identity for himself. People ask me about him wherever I go, and I feel so proud. Usne apna naam khud kamaya hai. Govinda had said in an earlier interview, ‘Joh bhi karo, apne balbute par karo’ and that’s what all of us are doing. Yash, too, bagged his first film on his own merit.”

On a concluding note, Sunita said, “Krushna and Kashmera are like my children. Bachchon ko 14 saal mein maaf kar diya but there’s a special person in my life who I will not forgive even after 28 years. Everyone knows who I am talking about.”

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Actor-couple Krushna Abhishek and Kashmera Shah, who are participants on a comedy cooking reality show, were in for a surprise when his mami, YouTuber Sunita Ahuja arrived as a guest in a recent episode, finally putting a public end to their decade-long family feud.

A pap video also surfaced online on Wednesday, with Krushna joking, “Ab 14 saal ka vanvaas khatam ho gaya!” as Kashmera quipped, “Ab kisi aur ka hoga!”

Speaking to us about the emotional moment, he shares, “This was one of the most memorable episodes we have done during this show. I didn’t know Sunita ji is coming, even Kashmera didn’t know. The creatives and channel kept it a secret. Even Bharti (Singh, comedian), who hosts the show, found out at the last moment.”

While Krushna reveals having seen her here and there, his wife, Kashmera came face-to-face with Sunita after a decade.

“Ek do baar I’ve seen mami at events, but Kashmera toh 10 saal mein takrai bhi nahin unse. So it was one of the most special moments that we will remember for life,” he gushes, adding, “Kal humari itni baatein hui hai, jo ice break hui! Jo band kamre mein hona tha wo channel ne stage pe kar diya.”

The feud reportedly began in 2016 after a joke on The Kapil Sharma Show upset Govinda and Sunita. It then evolved into a disagreement between Sunita and Kashmera, with several public jibes exchanged over the years.

Reports of Sunita Ahuja’s film debut have been doing the rounds lately. Things have been kept under wraps, but a source spotted her shooting at a temple in Bhopal for the said film. The movie marks Sunita’s full-fledged Bollywood debut and not just a special appearance. An industry insider revealed that she will star alongside her son, Yashvardhan, in it.

The source shares, “The film is a horror-comedy helmed by Sajid Khan, who returns to direction after many years and is produced by Ekta Kapoor. It is being shot in Mumbai currently and stars Sunita in a pivotal role. She will be seen replicating her real-life role as Yash’s mother on screen as well. Dono maa-beta will share the screen for the first time.”

The film stars Yashvardhan with Laapataa Ladies’ Nitanshi Goel and Gadar 2’s Simrat Kaur Randhawa in leading roles.

The Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa actor Venay R Aanand, who has been working in Bhojpuri cinema for years, has returned to the Hindi film industry after 19 years with Ektaa Kapoor’s web series ACP Vikrant.

Venay says, “I am glad to be back in the Hindi space with a role I have never played before. I am back for good and want people to offer me versatile characters. I don’t want to dance around trees anymore. I have done that a lot.”

Venay is the nephew of actor Govinda and cousin of Krushna Abhishek. Speaking about his relationship with his extended family, he shares, “I am in touch with Govinda ji and met him recently. I do call mami sometimes, par abhi thoda darta hoon. Agar mama ki watt laga rakhi hai toh main toh kahin ginti mein bhi nahi aaunga. Kaun risk lega? (laughs!)”

Addressing speculation around his uncle’s personal life, including divorce rumours, Venay says, “God forbid, if a relationship is destined to break, who can stop it? Agar tootna hi hota, toh kab ka toot jaata. Agar abhi tak khinch raha hai, toh shaayad Ishwar chahte hain ki aisa na ho, aur main bhi yahi chahta hoon. I spoke to mama about it, and he told me, ‘Beta, this is a difficult phase’. I only pray that this passes, because the pain of separating from your life partner can be very deep.”

Responding to Sunita’s allegations about Govinda’s alleged involvement with a younger woman, and his claim that a larger conspiracy was at play, Venay adds, “Maine mama se poocha tha ki aisa kuchh hai kya. He said there was nothing of that sort. I cannot say my mami is wrong either. She must have felt something. Now only Govinda ji can convince her. I can only pray for the couple and sincerely hope things between them settle soon.”

Anyone who has watched the trailer of Kapil Sharma’s upcoming film, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, will agree that it brings back memories of David Dhawan’s comedies from the 1990s. Director Anukalp Goswami instantly agrees, adding that his knowledge of filmmaking is rooted in those movies.

“My training ground was Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee, and then David Dhawan films. Watching their movies was my schooling. For the last 15–16 years, from Comedy Circus to The Great Indian Kapil Show, I’ve been directing pure comedies,” he says.

Goswami insists that the December 12 release — also starring Manjot Singh, Hira Warina, and Tridha Choudhary — is rooted in that lineage of feel-good, family-friendly humour. But it is his leading man’s comic timing that is central to the story.

“Kapil has worked so much in non-fiction that his comic timing comes naturally. He knows exactly how much the scene requires. He improvises beautifully, but he also knows when to hold back. Akshay Kumar and Govinda are great artistes in comedy, and after them, Kapil is great. When I worked with him, I saw a star in him.”

Actor Govinda and his wife Sunita Ahuja’s marriage has been the subject of constant speculation recently, fuelled by reports of Govinda’s alleged affairs. Rumours even suggested that the situation had escalated to the point of a potential divorce.

During a podcast with actor Paras S Chhabra, Sunita tried to set the record straight once and for all. The 57-year-old said, “I have said this many times to the media that I have also heard the rumours. But until I see him with my own eyes or catch him red-handed, I can’t declare anything. I have heard that it’s a Marathi actress.”

Sunita, who has recently started vlogging and even received a YouTube Silver Play Button within four months, also shared some advice for women: “A woman should stand on her own two feet. It gives another level of happiness to earn your own money. Your husband gives money, but he will give once after asking 10 times, whereas your earning is your own.”

Sunita further revealed that she plans to ask Govinda for a bigger house. Currently, she lives in a four-bedroom house with her daughter Tina and son Yash, while Govinda does not stay with them. “This house is small for us. I want to say through this podcast, ‘Chichi, buy me a big 5 bedroom hall house, otherwise see what happens to you’.”

Bollywood’s rumour mill is buzzing about Sajid Khan possibly returning to the director’s chair. Seven years after he was called out in multiple Me Too allegations by actors and journalists, and subsequently faced the Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ year-long ban that ended in 2019, it is heard that the director is in discussions with Zee Studios to helm a rom-com.

Word in the trade circle is that the yet-untitled film will serve as a launchpad for Govinda’s son Yashvardhan Ahuja. Nitanshi Goel of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (2024) fame and Krithi Shetty have been chosen as the female leads.

An insider told mid-day, “Sajid has been approached by the studio, but he hasn’t said yes yet. The studio heads are keen to have him helm the film as the comedy elements are right up his alley. Yashvardhan has another project with Phantom Studios, but he is likely to start shooting for this first. Sajid was earlier to direct a film with John Abraham, but that didn’t work out.”

Talk also suggests that the rom-com might be a remake of a hit South Indian movie.

mid-day contacted Khan and Zee Studios. Both did not respond till press time.

Amid rumours of separation and reports of a divorce petition being filed in court, Govinda and Sunita Ahuja surprised everyone when they appeared together at their Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations this year. The Ahujas have been welcoming Bappa into their home for decades now, and this year was no different.

Talking about the tradition, Sunita said, “Ganpati Baba is our first God and we love him. My mother-in-law would bring Ganpati Baba home when Govinda began his journey as a hero. Our son (Yashvardhan Ahuja) is set to start shooting his film next month, and I hope he becomes a bigger name than his father. That’s why Chi Chi and I decided that Yash would bring Bappa home this year.”

Addressing rumours about trouble in her marriage and Govinda’s team’s statement that she had filed a divorce petition six months ago and that everything is fine between the couple, Sunita clarified, “Please don’t listen to anyone, whether it’s the lawyer or the manager. It is not necessary to listen to anyone other than Govinda and me. At present, there is nothing of the sort. When I feel like it, or if there’s something to share, I will personally give my statement to the media.”

Recently, on her newly launched YouTube channel, Sunita broke down in tears while saying, ‘Koi bhi mera ghar todne ki koshish kare... jo bhi mera dil dukhayega, ye Maa Kali sabke gale kaat degi. Achhi aurat ko dukh dena achhi baat nahi hai’. Opening up about it, she said, “Yes, I cried a lot in my first vlog because many people, both within the family and from outside, don’t want Govinda and me to stay together. But I trust my Ganpati Baba and Mata Rani that Govinda will never take any step that will force him to leave his family. Aisi bohot ladkiyaan aati jaati hain, lekin koi bhi hasta-khelta ghar tod nahi sakta. It’s been 40 years since my marriage; this is not a joke. This shaadi was arranged by Govinda’s mother herself, and in this lifetime, I will never let him leave his children and me. Main bhi dekhti hoon kiski himmat hai humein alag karne ki, whether family, outsiders, or anyone else.’”

The couple also prayed to Bappa for the strength of their marriage and family. Sunita shared, “Maine aur Govinda ne bhagwan se yahi maanga hai ki jo bhi hamare jeevan mein vighn daale, usse Bappa itni saza de ki woh insaan kisi ko muh dikhane laayak na rahe. Koi bhi ladki, parivaar ya baahar ka insaan ki wajah se Govinda apne biwi aur bachhon ko nahi chhodega.”

She further added, “Govinda may get everything, but he will never find a wife like Sunita. I don’t think anyone can take my place in his life. I have stood by him through every joy and sorrow. Govinda would never even think of going to another woman because no one else has given him the love, care, and companionship that I have. He loves his children and me deeply. Even if someone tries to create problems, Govinda and Sunita cannot be separated. Mujhe apne bhagwan par itna bharosa hai ki hamein iss jeevan mein toh koi alag nahi kar sakta hai, agle janam ka kuchh nahi pata. I only want Baba’s blessings to always remain with my husband, my children, and me.”

Once hailed as one of the biggest stars of the ’90s with blockbusters such as Raja Babu (1994) and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Govinda has been conspicuously absent from the big screen in recent years. Now, his wife Sunita Ahuja has broken her silence on the actor’s prolonged hiatus, candidly pointing to a toxic inner circle and an unwillingness to evolve with the times as key reasons behind his career slowdown.

In an interview with The Powerful Humans, Sunita said that he lives too much in the present, and that’s his mistake. Opening up about their personal disagreements, Sunita didn’t hold back.

“Why hasn’t Govinda been seen on the big screen for the past 17 years? Because the circle around him is completely wrong. Sab wah wah karne waale log hain. Mera aur Govinda ka jhagda bhi ho jaata hai kyunki main naa jhooth nahi bol sakti aur chaplusi nahi kar sakti. Aaj iske pass ek writer hai, secretary hai, ek friend jaisa vakeel hai, sab faltu. Kyunki sirf wah wah karna hai. ‘Wah chi chi bhaiya kya kamaal kardia’. Abey tu sach toh bol. Hum sach bolte hain to chidhta hai voh.”

She went on to emphasise how out of sync her husband is with the current landscape of cinema. “I told him, the ’90s are over. It’s 2025 now. Look at what’s working today — Netflix and OTT platforms. But he’s stuck in his Wah-Wah Productions’ circle. I told him to change the people around him, because as long as those four or five people are with him, they won’t let him grow. David (Dhawan, filmmaker) said the same thing.”

Govinda was last seen in Rangeela Raja (2019), a comedy where he played a double role. The film, however, failed to leave an impression at the box office, and the actor has not returned to the big screen since.