Pahlaj Nihalani Makes Shocking Claims About Govinda And David Dhawan, Calls Latter ‘Selfish’

Pahlaj Nihalani, the former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, has produced several Bollywood films. Two of his most successful releases, include ‘Shola Aur Shabnam‘ and ‘Aankhen‘ in 1992 and 1993 respectively. Both the films were directed by David Dhawan directed both movies, where Govinda played the pivotal role. Recently, Nihalani revealed the deceptive nature of his relationship with the actor. The producer shared instances where the ‘Partner‘ star approached him only to ask for help.

Pahlaj Nihalani’s Relationship With Govinda

Speaking about his relationship with Govinda, Pahlaj called the actor superstitious and gullible in an interview with Siddharth Kannan. The producer, who has worked on several movies with Govinda and Chunky Panday, said, “I am still very close to Chunky Panday. But with Govinda, it is not the same, despite having made four films with him, two of which never panned out due to some controversy. Govinda was very gullible, he never showed up for the outdoor shoot of Bhai Bhai. The two stars in the film were Govinda and Chunky Panday, but as he didn’t shoot for it, I made the film with newcomers Samrat Mukerji and Manik Bedi. Originally, it was Govinda and Chunky. We had done a muhurat puja and also three days of shoot for the film. So, I never have had been in good terms with Govinda (sic).”

Pahlaj Nihalani remembered that throughout Govinda’s difficult times, he would constantly give him a job. He continued by saying that he provided the actor with films while he was seeking work. The producer disclosed that he gave Govinda ‘Shola Aur Shabnam‘ and ‘Aankhen.’ David Dhawan gradually wore the director’s cap for Aankhen. Written by Anees Bazmee, the movie went on to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 1993 and a box office success.

Pahlaj Nihalani Calls David Dhawan ‘Selfish’

Known for their collaboration as actor-directors, Govinda and David made several popular comedies in the 1990s, such as Raja Babu, Hero No. 1, Coolie No. 1, and Bade Miyaan Chhote Miyaan.

Nihalani described Govinda as ‘unpredictable,’ pointing out that David had ‘manipulated’ the actor. He also revealed that he does not get along well with the renowned director, who was formerly at his mercy. “David Dhawan is a selfish person. He manipulated Govinda. I still don’t know what exactly he told him, but Govinda never showed up on the sets of Bhai Bhai while the entire crew was waiting for him in Hyderabad. Right from there, the misunderstanding between Govinda and I increased further. Govinda had become very unpredictable. He was very superstitious. You couldn’t trust him. He would randomly fall sick by looking at a certain colour, looking at someone’s face. He, however, didn’t do all this much on my set. He even shelved Avatar on David Dhawan’s advice, ” concluded the former chairman of CBFC.

It took Pahlaj Nihalani 19 years to work with Govinda before ‘Rangeela Raja‘ was released in 2019. However, Nihalani and Dhawan never collaborated again following ‘Aankhen.’