Throwback when Govinda compared wife, Sunita Ahuja, with Neelam Kothari: “I would ask her to change herself”

Govind and Sunita throwback

Actor Govinda once made a candid and controversial confession about a turbulent phase in his personal life, revealing how his admiration for co-star Neelam Kothari affected his marriage to Sunita Ahuja. In an old interview, the actor admitted that he was “merciless” at the time and often compared his wife to Neelam, asking her to change herself.

Recalling those years, Govinda said he was deeply infatuated with Neelam and openly praised her in front of everyone, including Sunita. He revealed that he would constantly talk about Neelam’s qualities and even suggest that Sunita should learn from her and become more like her. The comparisons, unsurprisingly, led to tension at home and left Sunita hurt and upset.

Sunita, however, did not remain silent. She reportedly told Govinda that he fell in love with her for who she was and had no right to ask her to change. Her firm stand eventually made Govinda realise the emotional impact of his behaviour and the seriousness of the situation.

The actor also admitted that he never initially intended to take his relationship with Sunita seriously and described his actions during that phase as “calculated.” He confessed that he paid a heavy emotional price for his decisions and eventually understood the value of commitment and honesty in a marriage.

Despite the rocky beginning, Govinda and Sunita went on to build a long-lasting relationship and were married for over four decades. The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of celebrity relationships and highlights how fame and infatuation can strain personal bonds.

On the work front, Govinda and Neelam were among the most popular on-screen pairs of the late 1980s and early 1990s, starring together in several successful films. Neelam later stepped away from mainstream cinema and is now married to actor Samir Soni.

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Throughout 2025, rumors persisted that the couple was heading for divorce after 38 years of marriage.