Govinda, born as Govind Arun Ahuja on 21 December 1963, is a renowned Indian actor, comedian, dancer, and former politician. Known for his slapstick performances and exceptional dancing skills, Govinda has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.

Govinda's career in the film industry began in the 1980s. His debut film was 'Love 86' in 1986, which turned out to be a hit. He then appeared in subsequent hits including 'Ilzaam' (1986), 'Marte Dam Tak' (1987), 'Khudgarz' (1987), 'Dariya Dil' (1988), 'Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni' (1989), 'Swarg' (1990), and 'Hum' (1991).

In the 1990s, Govinda reinvented himself as a comic hero after his role as a mischievous young NCC cadet in the 1992 romance 'Shola Aur Shabnam' and 1993 action comedy 'Aankhen' in which he played a dual role.

Following the success of these films, Govinda had lead roles in several commercially successful comedy films, like 'Raja Babu' (1994), 'Coolie No. 1' (1995), 'Saajan Chale Sasural' (1996), 'Hero No. 1' (1997), 'Deewana Mastana' (1997), 'Dulhe Raja' (1998), 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' (1998), 'Anari No.1' (1999), 'Haseena Maan Jayegi' (1999) and 'Jodi No. 1' (2001).

After a series of several unsuccessful films in the 2000s, his later commercial hits include 'Bhagam Bhag' (2006), 'Partner' (2007), and 'Holiday' (2014). In 2015, Govinda became a judge on Season 2 of Zee TV's reality show, 'Dance India Dance Super Moms'.

Govinda leads a luxurious lifestyle. He owns a lavish bungalow in Mumbai and a number of luxury cars. Despite his fame and success, Govinda faced challenges early in his life. He graduated in commerce but failed to find a job. He was not considered for a steward’s position at the Taj Mahal hotel because his English wasn’t good enough. His father suggested films, and around this time, Govinda saw the film 'Saturday Night Fever' and dance became his obsession.

Govinda has appeared in more than 165 Hindi-language films. Some of his most popular movies include 'Raja Babu', 'Coolie No. 1', 'Saajan Chale Sasural', 'Hero No. 1', 'Deewana Mastana', 'Dulhe Raja', 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', 'Anari No.1', 'Haseena Maan Jayegi', and 'Jodi No. 1'.

He has also played double roles in several movies like 'Gentleman' (1989), 'Jaan Se Pyaara' (1992), 'Aankhen' (1993), 'Hathkadi' (1995), 'Chhote Sarkar' (1996), 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' (1998), 'Anari No.1' (1999), 'Waah! Tera Kya Kehna' (2002) and 'Sandwich' (2006).

Govinda has received twelve Filmfare Awards nominations, winning three Filmfare Awards. He won the Filmfare Special Award for 'Saajan Chale Sasural' and the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for 'Haseena Maan Jaayegi'.

He also won the Zee Cine Awards for Best Actor in a Comic Role for 'Dulhe Raja', 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', 'Haseena Maan Jaayegi' and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) for 'Partner'. In June 1999, he was voted the tenth-greatest star of stage or screen in the last thousand years by a BBC News Online poll.

Govinda was born to actor Arun Kumar Ahuja and actress Nirmala Devi. He got married to Sunita Ahuja in 1987 and this couple got blessed with a daughter Tina Ahuja and son Yashvardhan Ahuja. Govinda has four sisters, and three of them are Padma Ahuja, Pushpa Ahuja, and Kamini Khanna.