‘Govinda had the ability to come 24 hours late’: Prahlad Kakkar recalls actor’s amusing reply after arriving a day late on set

When you think of 90s Bollywood, one name instantly brings a smile, Govinda. The star who could make anyone laugh with a single expression, dance like no one else, and light up the screen with his colourful style and boundless energy.

Born Govind Arun Ahuja, he ruled the silver screen for more than three decades with his unmatched comic timing, infectious personality, and effortless versatility.But beyond his blockbuster films and chart-topping dance numbers, there’s one thing that is most talked about him, his habit of showing up late on sets. And while most actors might get flak for it, Govinda turned it into part of his charm, leaving even directors and co-stars amused.

Prahlad Kakkar recalls experience of working with Govinda

Renowned advertising filmmaker and brand strategist Prahlad Kakkar, often called the ‘ad guru of India’, recently shared a light-hearted memory from his time working with Govinda. In a chat with ANI, Kakkar, who has collaborated with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan,

Aamir Khan

,

Salman Khan

,

Aishwarya Rai

Bachchan and

Priyanka Chopra

, recalled how Govinda’s easy-going personality stood out.It was one experience in particular that made Kakkar laugh as he remembered it. “Govinda had the ability to come 24 hours late and pretend he’s on time,” Kakkar said with a chuckle, describing the actor’s carefree yet charming approach towards punctuality.

Prahlad Kakkar shares funny incident from set

Recalling one incident, Kakkar shared that Govinda had a unique way of making light of the situation even when he was late. “He walks in blase, ‘mai aa gaya, chalo ready’, but ‘Boss, tu kal aane vaala tha aaj aaya’, and he responded, ‘Ek din mein kya farak padta hai’ (What difference does a day make).”

Govinda had spoken about being defamed for lateness

Many people in the industry have spoken about Govinda’s habit of arriving late, and the actor himself has addressed it openly.

In a recent episode of ‘Too Much With Kajol and Twinkle’, Govinda expressed his hurt over being “defamed” for reportedly being late on shoots.“Mai defame huwa hu ki mai time pe nahi aata hu. Maine kaha 'kiske baap ke andar taaqat hai ki woh 5 shift kare aur time pe aaye. Possible hi nahi hai, ho hi nahi sakta. Itni zyada shooting kaise karega aadmi? Yaha toh ek picture ke andar thak jate hai log (I’ve been defamed for not arriving on time.

Who has the strength to do five shifts and still come on time? It’s just not possible. How can someone do so much shooting? Here, people get exhausted doing even one film).

”

Govinda’s hit films and comic legacy

Over the years, Govinda has delivered countless memorable performances. His comic brilliance and screen presence in hit films such as ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Hero No. 1’, ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’, ‘Raja Babu’, ‘Dulhe Raja’, and ‘Haseena Maan Jaayegi’ made him one of Bollywood’s most beloved entertainers.