Govinda was one of the top stars of the 1980s and 1990s. The hardworking man who made it to the top signed movies, became successful, and amassed wealth like no other. His coupling with actress Neelam was a tremendous sensation, and their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into off-screen chemistry, as they were supposed to be in love and dating.
They appeared together in over 14 films, and it was widely known in the industry that he was head over heals in love with the actress. Because Govinda’s marriage to Sunita was kept a secret from his lady love Neelam, the affair ended abruptly and tragically.
He had honestly talked out about the circumstance and how he could not wreck his marriage or marry Neelam in an earlier interview with a magazine.
“I was acutely aware of her” (Neelam). Because of our different backgrounds and upbringings. But, as we progressed, we overcame these challenges, and I began to open up. I’d pull pranks on her and tell jokes, and she’d giggle. We grew to be buddies. And we’d seen a lot of movies together. We met on a regular basis, and the more I learned about her, the more I liked her. She possessed dignity. Her eyes had a piousness to them. Character strength is also important. She was devoid of vulgarity and obnoxiousness. She was the type of woman who would have stolen any man’s heart. “I dropped mine.”
He talked about how he had no intention of marrying his wife when they first met. “I had no intention of getting so engaged with Sunita.” I was looking for someone to hang out with. By that time, I’d signed a couple films, and my older brother Kirti had come to see me on set. I was supposed to do a romance scene but couldn’t force myself to. Holding a girl in my arms made me feel very uneasy and unpleasant. ‘Why don’t you have an affair merely to have some romance experience?’ my brother suggested afterwards. At the very least, you’ll learn how to hold a female in your arms.’ Sunita was one of the people I met at that time. My relationship with her was, without a doubt, a premeditated move on my behalf. And I had to pay a high price for it,” he explained.
He then admitted to hiding his marriage and how it had harmed his relationship with Neelam. “My mother wanted me to legally marry Sunita after our first ceremony in the mandir. We were even husband and wife at the time. But I had kept my marriage to Sunita a secret because I was afraid it would harm my profession. Neelam was also unaware of the situation. She only found out after a year. I probably didn’t tell her since I didn’t want to ruin our screen partnership. To be honest, I did use my personal relationship with Neelam for work purposes to some level. I had a filthy game with her. I should have informed her of my marital status.”
The actor has evidently reconciled with his wife, with whom he has two children.
