Govinda recalls being in tremendous pain after mother Nirmala Devi’s death and entering Narmada River in grief: ‘ I thought I would go a little farther into the river and that I would meet my mother again’ |

Bollywood Icon Govinda Recalls Profound Grief After Mother’s Death, Reflects on Life-Altering Narmada River Incident

Mumbai, India – In a deeply personal and candid revelation, celebrated Bollywood actor Govinda has shared the harrowing emotional aftermath of his mother, Nirmala Devi’s, passing in 1996, an event that led him to a life-altering experience at the Narmada River. The actor’s account sheds light on the profound impact of grief and his subsequent philosophical shift regarding life, family, and purpose.

Govinda recalls being in tremendous pain after mother Nirmala Devi’s death and entering Narmada River in grief: ‘ I thought I would go a little farther into the river and that I would meet my mother again’

Unbearable Grief and a Moment of Desperation

Speaking to ANI, Govinda described the period following his mother’s death as one of immense sorrow. Nirmala Devi, a revered Hindustani classical vocalist and actress, passed away on June 15, 1996, at the age of 69. Govinda has consistently acknowledged the profound influence she had on his life, their bond being exceptionally close.

“I was in a lot of pain. I was in tremendous pain. At that point, I felt that everything was over; that was it,” Govinda recounted. The overwhelming sense of loss left him adrift, struggling to envision a future, which culminated in the deeply moving incident at the Narmada River.

The Narmada River Incident: Seeking Reunion

Recalling the fateful day at the Narmada, Govinda revealed a moment of profound desperation, driven by an intense longing to reconnect with his mother. “So, I was at the Narmada River, I thought I would go a little farther into the river and that I would meet my mother again. So, I went into the river.”

When asked directly if he was contemplating ending his life, the actor candidly acknowledged the gravity of his state. “Kind of. I was deeply attached to my mother. I was too much in love with her.” However, Govinda offered a unique perspective on the experience, separating it from the conventional understanding of suicide. “That’s what the world calls it. People use suicide type of words. We don’t really have anything like that. Life never ends. It takes on new faces; It takes on new forms,” he mused, highlighting his spiritual interpretation of life and death.

Intervention and a Turning Point

A pivotal moment arrived when a sadhu, whom Govinda remembers as Ram Kundal, intervened. The holy man approached him in the river, calling out to him. “He called out to me and came toward me. I came out of the river and he asked ‘What happened, Govind?’” Govinda recalled.

This encounter served as a crucial turning point, forcing the actor to re-evaluate his actions and acknowledge the responsibilities that still tethered him to life. It was a stark realization that he had to continue living, particularly for his children. “I realised, actually someone said to me this at that time that I was doing something wrong… And I learned a lesson, I realised that I have to live for my children,” he stated.

From Stardom to Purpose: Fulfilling a Mother’s Dreams

It took Govinda approximately 10 to 15 days to gradually emerge from the depths of his despair. He eventually embraced the belief that his life held further experiences and duties. The incident also profoundly altered his perception of his career and the trappings of fame. Films, acting, and stardom no longer held the same intrinsic value.

“Films is just like toys for me. I shouldn’t say this, I am saying it out of fear of God. Forgive me if I shouldn’t be saying this, and if I am offending anyone… But I believe that films, acting, stardom, heroism, all of it, is a manifestation of God. Whatever we have received, we have received from God, and we are simply acting in it. We have seen all of this, and we were able to experience it.”

For Govinda, true accomplishment transcended cinematic success; it lay in his ability to fulfill the aspirations his mother had nurtured for him. “But the real achievement for me was that I could serve my family and my mother. I could fulfil all the wishes she had imagined for me, what she had thought my son Govinda would achieve when he turned 21. That was her dream. And I was able to fulfill it. I saw true heroism in that part of my life. That is a very different way of looking at things,” he explained.

A New Chapter: Govinda’s Comeback

On the professional front, Govinda is poised for a significant comeback with his upcoming film, ‘Roopa’, starring alongside Komal Rani Swarnkar. This project marks his return to the silver screen after a considerable hiatus. His last feature film was 2019’s ‘Rangeela Raja’, followed by a 2022 appearance in the documentary ‘Naam Tha Kanhaiyalal’. With ‘Roopa’, Govinda embarks on a fresh chapter in his illustrious career, bringing with him a renewed perspective shaped by profound life experiences.