The late filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani, who died on June 4 due to liver cirrhosis, once blamed Govinda’s career decline on bad company, influence of astrologers, and misplaced trust. He also alleged David Dhawan misled him. Govinda, a 90s star, later saw setbacks; now his son Yashvardhan Ahuja prepares for debut.

The late filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani, who breathed his last today (June 4) due to liver cirrhosis once spoke about the decline in Govinda’s career, blaming it largely on the actor’s choice of company. He claimed that Govinda was influenced by people in the industry who did not have his best interests at heart and that he increasingly relied on advice from pundits.

Pahlaj Nihalani blamed Govinda’s inner circle for career downturn

He reflected on Govinda’s career downturn during a conversation with Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, pointing to the actor’s trusting nature and the influence of his inner circle as key reasons. Elaborating on his views, Pahlaj said, “Govinda was an all-rounder. He handled his career very well, but because of his ‘weakness’, he tends to trust people easily, which is why this happened. The atmosphere around him isn’t good, that’s why he wanders away. He keeps the company of pandits and astrologers, fortune tellers and the atmosphere he has around him and what he believes in. But people don’t take those conversations seriously. These types of conversations and this aura are extremely damaging, which has affected his career in the film industry.”

‘David Dhawan poisoned his mind,’ alleged Pahlaj Nihalani

He further added, “He was a single-screen hero, and the time when multiplexes came, people stopped his films from releasing. Jab Govinda ka time aaya Partner ke baad toh uski filmein jitni aayi, logon ne usko neecha dikhaaya aur shows chalne nahi diye. David Dhawan uske saath kaam kar raha tha aur David Dhawan ne uske mind me zeher daal diya tha against me. Kyuki unko lagta tha main ne paisa kamaya, jabki meri picture sey unka naam hua (After Partner, many of his films were not released or stalled. David Dhawan was working with him that time and he poisoned his mind against me. He thought I was making money but did not see he also made his name with my films).”

From 90s superstardom to a new debut in the family

In the 1990s, Govinda enjoyed a successful run at the box office with hits such as ‘Raja Babu’, ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Hero No. 1’, and ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’, but his momentum slowed in the early 2000s as several of his films failed to perform. Now, his son Yashvardhan Ahuja is preparing to step into the industry with his Bollywood debut in Sai Rajesh’s film.