When Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas released in 2002, it dazzled audiences with its grandeur and a powerhouse cast led by Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit. Jackie Shroff’s portrayal of Chunni Babu became one of the film’s highlights. What many don’t know is that this role was initially offered to Govinda, who turned it down. Now, his wife Sunita Ahuja has opened up about the real reason behind that decision.
In an interview with Hindi Rush, Sunita explained that Govinda was reluctant to accept a secondary role at a time when he was one of the top stars in the country.
She said, “Yes, some films flopped, but it did not mean that he should do a secondary role in a film.”
For Govinda, known as a leading man through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, a supporting character like Chunni Babu felt like a mismatch. Sunita added that while the offer itself was surprising given his stature, she admired how her husband declined gracefully, without bitterness or arrogance.
Reflecting on his career, she pointed out that Govinda had built immense popularity by playing larger-than-life roles, and his choices reflected his belief in maintaining that image.
She said he always carried himself with calmness, even when faced with offers that didn’t align with his star power.
Talking about Govinda’s personality, Sunita described him as an independent and grounded person. “He never likes to be a part of any group but prefers to create his own circle. Wherever he goes, he spreads love, and people in turn love him, which is why he became Hero No. 1,” she said.
Jackie Shroff eventually took on the role of Chunni Babu and was praised for his performance. Still, Sunita believes Govinda’s decision was right for him at that stage in his career.
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