In a surprising revelation from the past, Bollywood's beloved actor Govinda once confessed to being deeply in love with actress Neelam Kothari, a romance that blossomed even as he was engaged to his now-wife, Sunita Ahuja. The actor admitted that if not for Sunita's efforts to bring him back, he might have married Neelam instead. Today, after more than three decades of marriage, Govinda and Sunita stand as a strong couple, with Sunita herself garnering a significant fan following online.
The Confession: A Heart Lost to Neelam
During the peak of his career in a candid 1990 interview with Stardust magazine, Govinda opened up about his feelings for his frequent co-star, Neelam. He described being initially conscious of their different backgrounds but gradually overcoming those barriers. "We became friends. And we had so many films together," Govinda said. He was captivated by her dignity, the piousness in her eyes, and her strength of character, noting there was no vulgarity or loudness about her. "She was the kind of woman any man would have lost his heart to. I lost mine," he confessed.
This emotional admission came at a time when he was already committed to Sunita. In fact, he revealed that he had once broken off his engagement to Sunita, only for her to coax him back into the relationship. Govinda stated clearly that had Sunita not done so, he would have married Neelam.
A Calculated Move & The Price of Comparison
Govinda's journey with Sunita began under unconventional circumstances. He admitted that his initial involvement with her was "a totally calculated move." Following advice from his elder brother to gain romantic experience for his film roles, he met Sunita. "I had never meant to get so seriously involved with Sunita. I was looking for a girl to go around with," he revealed.
However, the real turmoil began when he started relentlessly comparing Sunita to Neelam. Impressed by Neelam's simplicity despite her fame, Govinda couldn't stop praising her. "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," he recalled. Sunita would retort, reminding him that he fell in love with her for who she was. Govinda acknowledged his confusion and impulsiveness during that period, admitting he paid a "heavy price" for his calculated approach.
Paths Diverge: Marriages and Moving On
Despite the rocky start and intense comparisons, Govinda tied the knot with Sunita Ahuja in 1987. They have now been married for over 30 years, building a life and family together.
Neelam Kothari's life took a different marital path. She married UK-based businessman Rishi Sethia in 2000, but the union ended in divorce shortly after. In a recent appearance on 'Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives' season 3, Neelam reflected on the restrictions she faced during that marriage, stating she was asked to wear Indian clothes, give up non-vegetarian food, and not drink. "I was fine with everything, but changing my identity, that is something I was not okay with," she said. Neelam later found lasting love with actor Samir Soni, marrying him in 2011.
The story of Govinda, Neelam, and Sunita remains a fascinating chapter of Bollywood's past, highlighting complex relationships, personal growth, and the unexpected turns life can take before finding lasting happiness.
