Govinda Recalls Being ‘Attracted’ To Neelam Kothari, Reflects On Their Past Romance – Woman’s era Magazine

Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda recently opened up about his past relationship with actor Neelam Kothari, candidly admitting that he was deeply attracted to her during the early years of his career. Speaking about their romance, the actor described Neelam as “doll-like” and recalled the strong connection they shared while working together in several films during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Govinda and Neelam were one of the most talked-about on-screen pairs of that era. Their chemistry in films such as Love 86, Ilzaam, Khudgarz, and Hatya made them a favourite among audiences. The two actors frequently appeared together in romantic and comedy roles, and their pairing was widely appreciated by fans.

Reflecting on that time, Govinda acknowledged that he felt a genuine attraction towards Neelam when they were working together. He said her charm and personality made a strong impression on him. Describing her appearance, Govinda said she had a “doll-like” beauty that instantly stood out, and he found himself drawn to her during their collaborations.

The actor admitted that their closeness developed naturally while they were filming together for multiple projects. Spending long hours on film sets often brought them closer, and their friendship gradually turned into a romantic relationship. According to Govinda, the bond they shared at the time was genuine, and he remembers that phase of his life fondly.

However, the relationship was complicated by the fact that Govinda was already engaged to Sunita Ahuja, whom he later married. Govinda has previously spoken about the emotional dilemma he faced during that period. While he was deeply involved with Neelam professionally and personally, he had also made a commitment to Sunita.

In earlier interviews as well, the actor had revealed that there was a time when he even considered ending his engagement to Sunita. The situation created tension in his personal life, and he had to make a difficult decision about his future.

Ultimately, Govinda chose to honour his commitment to Sunita and married her in 1987. He has often credited his mother’s advice and family values as major factors that influenced his decision. Despite the end of his relationship with Neelam, Govinda has said that he continued to respect and admire her.

Neelam Kothari eventually moved on in her life and career. She later stepped away from mainstream acting and became a successful jewellery designer before returning to public life through the Netflix series Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. She is currently married to actor Sameer Soni.

Govinda, meanwhile, went on to become one of the biggest stars of Hindi cinema in the 1990s, known for his comedic timing, energetic dance moves and blockbuster films such as Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, and Raja Babu. His personal life and relationships have often been subjects of curiosity among fans.

Looking back at his past with Neelam, Govinda’s remarks offer a rare glimpse into a chapter of Bollywood history that had long been discussed in industry circles. While the relationship did not last, the actor’s reflections highlight the strong connection they once shared during the early years of their careers.