- #HGCREATORS
- #HGEXPLORE
- #HGVOICES
- #HGSHOP
- CAREERS
- ABOUT US
- CONTACT US
Birth Of A Star
It was late monsoon in the mid 80’s, when Indian cinema’s epicenter, Bombay was about to behold the birth of a star. One with such razzmatazz, charisma and talent, that his very presence before the reel would outshine every other. This spotlight wizard was none other than, Govind Ahuja, more commonly recognized by the nickname ‘Govinda’, or ‘Chi-chi bhaiya’. A Punjabi munda by birth & colossal heart-throb by nature; this young man of versatile talents inched closer to stardom with every day.
Scarce was the nation aware, how this naïve, destitute hustler from Virar, would revolutionize the very culture surrounding Bollywood, by imparting it his distinct flavor of hysterical humour, over-the-top energy & feet-tapping dance moves. From his debut as lead in Illzam in 1986, untill his breakthrough hits like Hero No. 1 & Bhagam Bhag, he has left behind a fashion signature & dance legacy so sound that they’re still considered as entertainment standard among movie buffs.
The Star Makes His Mark
A fair share of modern Bollywood & Tollywood dancing derives influence from the distinct yet fluid movements Govinda would showcase on camera, during his 15-year-old reign over Bollywood’s jazz & spotlight. His saunter down the fame boulevard began with a broad course of gripping action Dramas like Jung Baaz, Taqatwaar & Gair Kanooni, followed by a succession of cult classics like Awaargi and critically-acclaimed chart-busters like Coolie No. 1 , Aankhen & Haseena Maan Jayegi. Govinda’s widespread recognition can also be attributed to the shift he made towards comedy in the 90’s, by starring in block-busters like Raja Babu & Anari No.1 among others. Whilst on this success trail Govinda earned the chance to share screen-space with veterans like Sridevi, Amitabh bachan, Madhuri and also worked with A-list film-makers like David Dhawan.
Chi-chi’s Success Formula
Chi-chi’s success formula is a well-known blend of three elements; his unique and synchronized dance moves, fundamentally distinct style-statement, & overall vibrant presence; which collectively set him apart. Critics place Govinda’s dancing abilities to be way beyond his time. Govi bhaiya is considered a pioneer of modern Bollywood and contemporary dance-forms. The secret behind his magnetic performances both on & off the camera lay in the fact that Govinda’s performances had true passion and flair.
A True Dance Prodigy
At a time in Bollywood, where dance was primitive, Chi-chi introduced a slick & suave style of dance, earning him the reputation he rightly enjoys. Govinda’s moves were smooth, controlled and came off beautifully on-screen for the entire decade, while other actors owing to their jerkiness could never match up. Among few of govinda’s most timeless performances include his dance number for the superhit Kisi Disco Mein Jaaye as well as his quirky steps for funky-dance acts like ‘stop that’ & ‘Meri-Marzi’. What truly tested his skill & prowess however was the film Shikhari; where despite being overweight & way past his primes, he delivered a solid performance. Govinda’s waist-flicks, hip-shakes & limb-twisting dance moves enjoy iconic status till date in the dance community.
The Original Style-Icon
Another inseparable element about govinda’s dynamic persona is his impeccable sense of fashion & taste in clothing. His wardrobe comprises a tacky assortment of florals, denims, colourful jackets & baggy trousers, accessorized with retro-shades and chunky sneakers that make for some seriously loud and obnoxious outfits. Outfits, that only ‘Chi-chi’ bhaiya’s charisma can do justice to. His distinct taste in terms of styling his fits, combining flashy shirts with colorful trousers & trendy jackets, won him limelight as a trend-setter within the fashion hierarchy of the 80’ & 90’s.
Timeless Comic
Besides attaining triumph as a Dance & style icon, Ahuja’s most note-worthy achievement is how he established himself as a critically acclaimed, outright hysterical Comic in the Bollywood film industry. Govi’s comic roles in films ranging from Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Coolie No.1 to Bhagam Bhag & Partner are still viewed as comedy classics. Ahuja’s role in whimsical comedies like Jodi No.1 , Kyo Kii Main Jhooth Nahin Bolta & Aankhon Se Goli Mare bagged him filmfare nominations as well as critical acclaim.
His multi-faceted role in the Hindi picture Hadh Kardi Apne alongside Rani Mukherjee, is a classic sample of Govinda’s comical brilliance. He skillfully plays father, mother, son & grandfather in a particular scene featured by this comedy of errors. From his whimsical pick-up lines in this film and several others to his rib-tickling depiction of a villager oblivious to urban lifestyle, in Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai are classic examples of his signature style of humour.
Summarizing The Pop Culture Icon
Chi-chi’s odyssey towards becoming a revered dancer, style-icon, comedian and overall influential figure has earned him a spot in Bollywood’s hall of fame. BBC’s online poll recognized him as the tenth best actor of all time. His moves made a major contribution to the development of dance styles in Telugu & tamil films, which till date draw inspiration from him. Govinda’s political career as a member of parliament has also been impressive. In conclusion we believe that the evergreen heat-throb’s hip-shakes, outfits and hysterical humour shall continue entertaining viewers for several years to come.
If you enjoyed this, we suggest you read
