Veteran Actor Shares How His Mother’s Advice Led to a Clash With the Legendary Filmmaker
March 10, 2025: Bollywood actor Govinda recently opened up about an unforgettable clash with legendary filmmaker BR Chopra, revealing how he was thrown out of Chopra’s office for refusing to play Abhimanyu in Mahabharat.
Govinda’s Unexpected Connection With the Chopra Family
In an interview with Mukesh Khanna on his YouTube channel Bheeshm International, Govinda shared that he was closely associated with the Chopra family, often helping Ravi Chopra’s wife, Renu Chopra, with household chores.
Also Read: Badshah’s Drastic Weight Loss Sparks Debate; Fans Compare Him to AP Dhillon
🗣️ “I used to visit their home often. Renu Bhabhi would call me and ask for help with cleaning up the house. But BR Chopra wasn’t aware of my visits or the bond I had with his family.”
The Role That Led to a Clash
Govinda revealed that he never auditioned for Mahabharat but was personally selected to play Abhimanyu. However, he turned down the role because his mother, Nirmala Devi, advised him against it.
🗣️ “I went to Chopra Sahab’s office, and he told me I was chosen to play Abhimanyu. I told him, ‘My mom has said no, so I won’t do it.’ He asked, ‘Who is your mom?’ I told him she is a Sadhvi, and for me, the film industry is secondary. I only do what she tells me.”
BR Chopra’s Fiery Reaction
The Raja Babu star further revealed that his response infuriated BR Chopra, leading to an unexpected insult.
🗣️ “He got angry and said, ‘Woh thodi pagal hai (Is she mad)?’”
Govinda defended his mother, reminding Chopra of her contributions to the film industry.
🗣️ “I told him that my mother, Nirmala Devi, had acted in nine films, including Sharda, and she was his senior. I also told him that whatever she says becomes true, and I cannot go against her words.”
Thrown Out of Chopra’s Office
Following his mother’s instructions, Govinda dramatically performed a line in front of Chopra, which further angered the veteran filmmaker.
🗣️ “My mother told me to act in front of him and say, ‘Apki soch mein kha gaya’ (I have absorbed your thoughts). When I did that, BR Chopra lost his temper and said, ‘Ye kya pagal hai, bahar nikalo isko! (Who is this madman? Throw him out!).’”
Govinda claims that shortly after he left the office, he saw an ambulance arriving at BR Chopra’s office, suggesting that the filmmaker’s health had taken a turn for the worse.
Govinda’s Journey Beyond Mahabharat
Despite missing out on Mahabharat, Govinda went on to become one of Bollywood’s most beloved actors, starring in iconic films like Hero No.1, Coolie No.1, and Hadh Kar Di Aapne.
His story sheds light on the strong influence his mother had on his career and how one decision changed the course of his life.
💭 Would Govinda’s career have been different if he had played Abhimanyu in Mahabharat? Let us know what you think!
Tags: Govinda, BR Chopra, Mahabharat, Bollywood controversies, Govinda career, Bollywood rejections, Indian TV classics, Abhimanyu role, 90s Bollywood, Govinda mother influence