Actor Govinda has publicly responded to his wife Ssunita Ahuja after her comments about his recent appearances with co-star Komal Rani Swarnkar went viral. In videos circulating online, the 62-year-old actor accused Ssunita of interfering with his professional work, attempting to damage his public image and using inappropriate language in public remarks. He also asked her to “stay within her limits” and suggested that she might need his support again in the future.
The exchange followed Ssunita’s interaction with paparazzi in Mumbai, where she questioned Govinda’s public appearances with Komal, a newcomer who is set to make her Bollywood debut opposite him in Roopa. The dispute comes amid renewed speculation about Govinda’s personal life and Ssunita’s repeated allegations regarding his alleged affairs.
In one of the videos, Govinda sarcastically said Ssunita had become particularly focused on a “clean-up” drive, adding that she had become so “clean-hearted” that she now wanted to “clean out” her husband. He also cited an old saying from Uttar Pradesh, “Hamare ghar ayo nahi aur bahar kahin khaiyo nahi,” before explaining that while a guest is offered food upon arriving at someone’s home, they may still choose to eat somewhere else.
Govinda then said that his professional work takes place outside the home and accused Ssunita of interfering in it. He recalled that when Ssunita was working on projects such as her food show Maa Hai Na and Lock Upp Season 2, she had used Tina to contact him and sought his participation and support. He said she had every right to do so.
Govinda said he had now begun work on a new film project and alleged that Ssunita was doing everything possible to make him lose public affection, damage his reputation or even hurt his business.
He also said people from modest backgrounds who enter the film industry should not be humiliated or shamed to such an extent that they become scared or leave the industry.
Govinda acknowledged that Ssunita had ability, influence, fame, respect and wealth, but argued that these advantages did not give anyone the right to humiliate someone with fewer resources.
“Ye shobha nahi deta hai (This does not look good),” he said.
Responding to Ssunita’s comments about age, Govinda said she had repeatedly brought up the issue and pointed out that leading actors in the country had frequently worked with younger actresses.
He said such actresses had gained films, recognition, fame and respect, while working with younger women also allowed male actors to appear youthful.
Govinda questioned whether Ssunita did not want him to look young and accused her of putting a major business project at risk over what he characterised as relatively minor expectations.
He also alleged that a “group” or “gang” was supporting Ssunita and claimed that people were already aware of its existence. Govinda said he believed its role would eventually become public and suggested that it would not reflect well on her.
He added that Ssunita might need his support again at some point in her career and asked her to reflect on the comments being made through what he described as her podcast and the demands being raised.
He concluded that portion of his remarks by telling her, “Aap thoda sa apni had mein rahiye,” meaning, “Please stay within your limits.”
Objection to her language
Govinda also criticised what he described as Ssunita’s use of abusive language.
He said he wanted to reiterate that she had increasingly begun using abusive expressions involving “maa-behen ki gaaliyaan”. He urged her to hope that others did not adopt such behaviour and pointed out that young people observe and often imitate the conduct of public figures.
He said it would be embarrassing if people began addressing her in the same manner and told her not to engage in such behaviour.
According to Govinda, Ssunita had made the use of such language appear casual and normal, which he said was not expected from her.
What triggered the row
Ssunita’s remarks came during a paparazzi interaction in Mumbai on August 14, when she was questioned about Govinda’s appearances at the airport with Komal and the promotion of his upcoming films.
She questioned the promotional activities, saying a film first needs to be made and that promotion follows once the project is ready.
Ssunita then criticised Govinda for appearing publicly with a woman she described as young enough to be his daughter.
She said he was “going around with a girl young enough to be his daughter” and suggested that he should feel at least somewhat ashamed. She also said there should be certain standards.
Ssunita additionally made a pointed comment about Komal’s appearance, saying that if her “sugar daddy” was wealthy, she should at least dress appropriately.
Rumours around Komal Rani Swarnkar
Speculation intensified after Govinda and Komal were photographed together at Mumbai airport, with the pictures subsequently spreading widely on social media.
Neither Govinda nor Komal has publicly confirmed that they are in a relationship.
Komal Rani Swarnkar is a newcomer who is set to make her Bollywood debut alongside Govinda. Govinda recently announced his return to the big screen with Roopa and Duniyadari, introducing Komal as the female lead of Roopa. Govinda is also producing the projects.
There have also been reports that Komal could be associated with Duniyadari, although details about her personal and professional background remain limited.
