Govinda has charmed the silver screen with his commendable performances. The actors` real name is Govind Arun Ahuja also known as chi chi in the film fraternity. Born on December 21, 1963 in Virar, Maharashtra the actor is popularly known as Govinda. His parents were former actor Arun Ahuja and singer Nirmala Arun Ahuja. He studied at Annasaheb Vartak College in Vasai, Maharashtra. His elder brother Kirti Kumar is an actor cum director who has also appeared in some of Govinda`s films. He married Sunita Govind Ahuja on 11 March 1987 and has two children with her, Narmada and Yashvardhan.

Film Career of Govinda
Govinda made his debut in `Ilzaam` in the year 1986 which received a super hit status. After his first success he was offered with many movie projects. He was often paired opposite actress Neelam and together they appeared in hit films such as `Love 86` in 1986, `Khudgarz` in 1987 and `Hatya` in 1988. He worked with David Dhawan for the first time in the action film `Taaqatwar` in 1989. He then acted in 17 movies directed by David Dhawan most of which were comedy films. The most successful films during their collaboration included `Shola Aur Shabnam`, `Aankhen`, `Raja Babu`, `Coolie No. 1`, `Saajan Chale Sasural`, `Hero No. 1`, `Deewana Mastana`, `Bade Miyan Chote Miyan`, `Haseena Maan Jaayegi` and many more. Dhawan and other directors frequently cast him opposite actresses such as Karishma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon during the 1990s and with them Govinda made huge success. Govinda has also tried his luck as a villain. He did it for the first time in his career in `Shikari` in the year 2000. Although the movie was not a commercial success, Govinda`s convincing portrayal of a sociopath murderer was critically acclaimed. His box office draw suffered a setback in the early 2000s following a series of commercially unsuccessful films. Govinda next joined politics and was not seen much in movies. He made a comeback to films in 2006 with the comedy film `Bhagam Bhag` along with co-actor Akshay Kumar that was a real success. His first 2007 release was the huge multi-starrer `Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love`. Govinda was praised for his performance as well. His next release was David Dhawan directed romantic comedy `Partner`, with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. The film did good business in box office. He subsequently ventured into other movies like Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, Life Partner and Do Knot Disturb. He also essayed a role in Mani Ratnam`s Raavan opposite Vikram, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Apart from his acting skills he is also an ace dancer excelling in break dancing. His dancing skills are still imitated by prominent stars of Bollywood.

Political Career of Govinda
In the year of 2004 Govinda joined the Congress party and was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament from Mumbai with a thumping majority of beating the 5 time sitting MP by over 50000 votes.

Awards and Honours of Govinda
Indian movie actor Govinda is an award-winning star who has won many awards in his career.

Filmfare Awards
1997 - Filmfare Special Award for Saajan Chale Sasural 1999 - Filmfare Best Comedian Award, Haseena Maan Jaayegi

Other Awards
1995 - Star Screen Award Special Jury Award for Coolie No. 1
1998 - Lux Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Dulhe Raja
1998 - Special Videocon Screen award from Jury for overall performance
1999 - Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
2000 - Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Haseena Maan Jaayegi
2002 - IIFA Best Comedian Award for Jodi No. 1
2007 - "Excellent Comic Actor" Award at the Star Gold Comedy Honors
2007 - Most Stylish Comeback Award at the MTV Lycra Style Awards
2008 - Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards, "NDTV Imagine Best Jodi of the Year 2007" along with Salman Khan.
2008 - Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Male for Partner
2008 - IIFA Best Comedian Award for Partner

Selected Filmography of Govinda
Raavan (2010)
Do Knot Disturb (2009)
Life Partner (2009)
Money Hai to Honey Hai (2008)
Partner (2007)
Salaam-E-Ishq: A Tribute to Love (2007)
Bhagam Bhag (2006)
Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen (2005)
Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003)
Raja Bhaiya (2003)
Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare (2002)
Chalo Ishq Ladaaye (2002)
Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai (2002)
Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya (2001)
Albela (2001)
Jodi No.1 (2001)
Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta (2001)
Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000)
Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain (2000)
Joru Ka Ghulam (2000)
Kunwara (2000)
Anari No. 1 (1999)
Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999)
Aunty No. 1 (1998)
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998)
Dulhe Raja (1998)
Maharaja (1998)
Pardesi Babu (1998)
Naseeb (1997)
Chhote Sarkar (1996)
Saajan Chale Sasural (1996)
Coolie No. 1 (1995)
Aag (1994)
Raja Babu (1994)
Shola Aur Shabnam (1992)
Aakhri Baazi (1989)
Aasmaan Se Ooncha (1989)
Billoo Badshah (1989)
Do Qaidi (1989)
Gentleman (1989)
Gharana (1989)
Hatya (1988)
Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1988)
Khudgarz (1987)
Love 86 (1986)
Sadaa Suhagan (1986)
Tan-Badan (1986)
Mohabbat Ki Aag (1984)
Apmaan Ki Aag (1978)
Mit Jayenge Mitane Wale (1977)