When Govinda Admitted Losing His Heart To Neelam Kothari While Being Committed To Sunita Ahuja: 'The Harm Was Done'

Govinda described Neelam as “the kind of woman any man would have lost his heart to,” admitting, “I lost mine.”

When Govinda began dating his now-wife Sunita, he was still building his career in the film industry, and they kept their relationship hidden, even from his co-stars. Around this time, Govinda also developed feelings for his frequent co-star Neelam. He became so captivated by her that he would often ask Sunita to emulate Neelam, which Sunita found offensive.

When Govinda had feelings for Neelam Kothari

Reflecting on this phase in an earlier interview, Govinda admitted he had been “merciless” towards his wife. Govinda and Neelam starred together in films like 'Ilzaam', 'Farz Ki Jung', and 'Love 86', among others.

In a 1990 interview with Stardust, Govinda revealed, “I couldn’t stop praising her (Neelam). To my friends, to my family. Even to Sunita, to whom I was committed. I would tell Sunita to change herself and become like Neelam. I would tell her to learn from her. I was merciless. Sunita would get irritated. She would tell me, ‘You fell in love with me because of what I am, don’t ever try to change me.’ But I was so confused. I didn’t know what to own.”

Govinda also described Neelam as “the kind of woman any man would have lost his heart to,” admitting, “I lost mine.” However, by this time, he was already in a relationship with Sunita. He confessed that he "never meant to get so seriously involved with Sunita" and was only looking for someone to date casually.

 

Govinda recalled that he had to perform a romantic scene on-screen but felt uneasy about it. His brother advised him to date someone to "get some experience of romance."

He continued, “At that point in time, I met Sunita. I admit that my involvement with her was a totally calculated move on my part. And I paid a heavy price for it.” By the time he met Neelam, Govinda had already made a commitment to Sunita, and he added, “the harm was done.”

Now, Govinda and Sunita have been married for 35 years and have a son and a daughter. Neelam, who was previously married to Rishi Sethia, has been married to actor Samir Soni for 13 years, and they have a daughter.