Born in Virar, Maharashtra, Govind Arun Ahuja, is popularly known as Govinda. Coming from a middle class family, Govinda joined film in the late 1980’s. His first movie, Ilzaam, was released in 1986. Govinda in the beginning focused more on his dancing skills and established himself as a dancing actor. His first success came in 1988.
The movie Hatya, directed by his brother Kirti Kumar, was a big success and Govinda came to lime light. Govinda then worked with David Dhawan. This pair did many successful films: Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Saajan Chale Sasural, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Haseena Maan Jaayegi. In 2000, he did a negative role in the movie Shikari with Karisma Kapoor and Tabboo but that movie was not very successful. Till now, Govinda has done over 120 Hindi movies. In 2004, Govinda joined politics.