Mumbai: There are some stories in Bollywood which are no less exciting than films. One such story is of the first meeting of Hindi cinema’s veteran villain Shakti Kapoor and superstar Govinda. This is about the time when Govinda was at the beginning of his career and had come to Shakti Kapoor’s door in the dark of the night with the hope of work. Later, both of them together gave such films, which are still fresh in the minds of the audience.

That midnight meeting

This story was narrated by Shakti Kapoor himself in ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’, where Govinda and Chunky Pandey had come as guests with him. Remembering that moment, Shakti said, “One night the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, a tall, handsome young man was standing in front of me. He said, ‘Shakti sir, I am your fan.’ I thought, okay, but he himself is hero material. I asked, ‘What do you do?’ He replied, ‘I have come to the neighborhood, I want to act.’ I said, ‘If you work hard and diligently, you will definitely become famous.’”

That young man’s name was Govinda. Shakti further said, “After some time, I reached the hotel during shooting in Hyderabad. My wife Shivangi said, ‘Look, how beautifully this boy is dancing.’ I sat down and started watching the movie. I kept watching without stopping for two hours, while I was thinking of going to the bathroom due to fatigue. When the movie ended, it struck my mind that this is the same boy who came to my door that night.”

Call to Mithun and the rise of a superstar

Shakti Kapoor was so impressed by Govinda’s dance at that time that he immediately called Mithun Chakraborty. He said, “I told Mithun, ‘Yaar, there is a boy, he dances so well. If you both do a film together, there will be a lot of uproar.’ Mithun asked, ‘Who is he?’ I said, ‘Govinda.’” Shakti believes that Govinda becoming a superstar was the result of his hard work and luck. This journey that started with that night’s meeting became one of the most memorable couples of Bollywood.

The magic of Govinda-Shakti Jodi

Shakti Kapoor and Govinda gave many hit films together. In films like ‘Raja Babu’, ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Hero No. 1’, ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’, ‘Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni’, ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, ‘Khuddar’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Naseeb’, ‘Banarasi Babu’, ‘Dariya Dil’ and ‘Gharana’, their pair made the audience roll with laughter. Especially Shakti’s character Nandu in ‘Raja Babu’ (“Main Hoon Nandu, Sabka Bandhu”) and Govinda’s desi style are still in the hearts of fans. Shakti’s villainy tadka and Govinda’s comedy-dance combination in these films proved to be superhit.

From struggle to fame

Govinda’s career started in the 80s, when he was trying to make his place through small roles and dance. He got recognition in 1986 with the film ‘Ilzaam’, and then never looked back. On the other hand, Shakti Kapoor was active in the industry since 1975 and had become an expert in villainy as well as comic roles. The union of these two became a part of the golden era of Bollywood.

What do people say?

After this incident, fans on social media again remembered the pair of Govinda and Shakti. One user wrote, “Govinda’s era was when watching movies meant laughter and fun. That fun would have been incomplete without Shakti Kapoor.” While another said, “Today’s stars understand stardom, but there is no answer to Govinda’s hard work and simplicity.” This story not only awakens nostalgia, but also reminds of the hard work that makes someone a superstar.

History started with a meeting

That midnight knock on Shakti Kapoor’s door opened the door of luck for Govinda. This meeting not only brought the two stars closer, but also gave Bollywood many memorable moments. Today, even if Govinda is away from films and Shakti Kapoor does select roles, their pair will always remain alive in the hearts of fans. Would you also like to watch a film of this pair again? This question is in the mind of every person who has been a fan of 90s cinema.