After a notable 16-year hiatus, Govinda, renowned as Bollywood's 'comedy king', has made a surprising return to the political arena. This move comes as a twist of irony, considering Govinda's previous aversion to politics, famously stating in 2012 that it was "never his cup of tea". Yet, now, after this lengthy sabbatical, Govinda finds himself aligned with the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Speculations suggest that Govinda may contest from the Mumbai North-West seat, a constituency with which he holds a degree of familiarity. In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Govinda secured victory from this seat under the Congress banner, triumphing over heavyweight opponent Ram Naik of the BJP.
However, Govinda withdrew from the 2009 Lok Sabha race, citing obstacles created by adversaries within the Congress party. He lamented being marginalized within his own party, alleging interference from certain factions that impeded his political aspirations.
Despite his prior disillusionment with politics, Govinda appears to have had a change of heart, marking a return to the political arena. His earlier declarations, asserting that politics was not in his blood and stating categorically that he would never return to it, now seem at odds with his current trajectory.
In 2013, Govinda reiterated his discontent with his foray into politics, labeling it as perhaps the biggest mistake of his life. He expressed struggles in rekindling his acting career post-2009, citing the adverse impact of his political tenure on his physical well-being. Govinda disclosed significant weight gain during his political stint, which posed challenges when attempting to shed pounds for his cinematic comeback.
Despite these setbacks, Govinda remains determined to revive his acting career, recognizing the toll his political detour has taken. As he navigates this return to Bollywood, Govinda reflects on the years lost in politics, underscoring a desire to rectify past decisions and refocus on his passion for acting.
