Govinda washed his mother’s feet and drank the water on her birthday, his nephew recalls

Govinda washed his mother’s feet and drank the water on her birthday, his nephew recalls

• Govinda washed and drank his mother's feet water on her birthday
• Nephew Vinay Anand calls Govinda a father figure and inspiration
• Govinda declined many film and event offers brought by Vinay

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Bollywood actor Govinda once showed deep devotion to his late mother by washing her feet on her birthday and drinking the same water, his nephew Vinay Anand recalled in a recent interview — a moment he said exemplified the star’s heartfelt respect for her. Vinay shared the anecdote on the Hindi Rush podcast, reflecting on Govinda’s influence both on his life and on an entire generation of fans during the peak of his career.

According to Vinay, Govinda’s mother, Nirmala Devi, held a central place in his life, and he honoured her in this humble gesture whenever her birthday came around. The nephew said that while Govinda dominated screens with comic timing and electrifying dance moves in the 1990s — a period when many performers imitated his style — he was equally devoted to family off-camera.

He said, "I have been deeply inspired by Govinda throughout my life. And not just me—when he became number one, the entire country was inspired by him. There wasn't a single superstar who wasn't copying him or dancing like him. Even those who didn't know how to dance started dancing because of him. I saw him at home too. When it was my grandmother's birthday and he came over, he washed her feet in a ceremonial plate and then drank that very water."

Vinay also spoke about how he once approached Govinda with multiple film and event offers over the years, but the actor declined them all, choosing not to take up many opportunities that came his way.

“I often get troubled myself. I've taken many film offers to him; he didn't do them. I've taken many event offers; he doesn't accept them. He has his reasons. There is a 14-year age gap between us, and he has always been like a father figure to me. Although he is my maternal uncle, I have never questioned him out of respect or asked 'why?'" he said.

The nephew said that despite a 14-year age gap, Govinda has always been like a father figure to him, and he has always treated him with deep respect, never questioning his choices. He recalled how even as an established actor himself with around 70 films to his credit, he still shows utmost respect to his uncle.

Vinay also touched on personal matters, admitting he was initially hesitant to ask Govinda about rumours surrounding the superstar’s personal life, including talk of an affair.

Also read: Sunita Ahuja opens up about reconciling with her "childhood love" Govinda: ‘Agar voh sudhar jaaye aur…’

When he eventually asked, Govinda denied such claims, and Vinay accepted his explanation, although he said seeing interviews by Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja sometimes made him uncomfortable given their long-standing family respect.