Sunita Ahuja on Govinda rejecting Chunnilal's role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas: 'Why would he play a second lead being a top star?'

Bollywood actor Govinda, a household name in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, has faced his fair share of challenges in the industry. Reflecting on his career, his wife Sunita Ahuja has shared insights into some significant decisions and struggles that have shaped his journey.
One notable instance was Govinda’s decision to decline the role of Chunnilal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas (2002), a role that ultimately went to Jackie Shroff. Speaking about this, Sunita defended her husband’s choice, emphasizing his stature in the industry at the time. “Why would he play Chunnilal? He was a very big star. Why would he play a second lead? It’s his choice. You can’t offer Chunnilal’s role to Govinda,” she said in an interview with Hindi Rush. “I am glad he didn’t do it. Why would he accept such a role being a top star? He was at his peak during the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.” Devdas also featured Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhur Dixit.
Beyond missed opportunities, Sunita highlighted the obstacles Govinda has faced, including sabotage and politics within Bollywood. According to her, several of his films were shelved due to behind-the-scenes machinations. “Two to three of his films were stopped from being released. There’s politics everywhere,” she shared. “There is no other actor like Govinda, so some people will try to sabotage him. It is true that he is not being given a platform.”

Sunita believes groupism and jealousy in the industry have hampered Govinda’s attempts to make a grand comeback. “Tell me which industry doesn’t have jealousy? If you are into groupism, then you can climb up the ladder. If you don’t belong to any group, then nobody will pay attention to you in this industry,” she said.

Sunita also criticized the prevalence of nepotism, stating that the industry often sidelines outsiders in favor of those with connections. Govinda’s independent spirit, she argued, set him apart but also worked against him. “He is a village boy, an individualist. He wouldn’t join any of those groups. He makes his own group and mingles with them. Woh nahi jaayega kisiki gulaami karne (He won’t bow down to anyone). He is in his own world, hero number 1 in his head,” Sunita remarked.