When Govinda revealed how he landed his first film 'Tan-Badan' after months of struggle, 'Main Virar se teen-chaar mahina struggle karta tha’

Govinda is today known as one of Hindi cinema’s most loved entertainers, but his journey began far from glamour. In an old interview, the actor opened up about how he landed his first film 'Tan-Badan', which released in 1986—though 'Love 86' and 'Ilzaam' hit theatres earlier.

Tan-Badan was directed by his maternal uncle Anand Singh and starred Khushbu, Viju Khote and others.

Early struggle and first breakthrough

In a throwback interview with Lehren Retro, Govinda revealed that Tan-Badan was his first signed film and that the opportunity came after months of struggle.“Meri pehli film thi Tan-Badan aur woh mujhe aise mili ki main Virar se teen-chaar mahina struggle karta tha,” he recalled.Long travel hours eventually pushed him to move to Khar, where he stayed with his mama ji.

Recounting a turning point, Govinda said, “Toh saamne ek din dost ke saath khada hoke paan kha raha tha, toh B.R. Chopra camp se Mr. Gufi Paintal mujhe le gaye B.R. office ke andar.”He went on to perform in a sponsored programme, where he impressed everyone with one-take shots, despite being a complete newcomer.

Why Govinda made his own video cassette

Govinda soon realised that showcasing his talent on screen was more important than first impressions. “Log bolte the, ‘Yaar theek hai, dekhne mein theek hai, height bhi theek hai, voice bhi theek hai,’” he said, explaining why he decided to take matters into his own hands.

He joined Roshan Institute, trained in action, learned dance under Saroj Khan, and eventually made his own video cassette. When filmmaker Ismail Shroff saw it, his opinion changed—despite his initial dismissal.“Nahi yaar, isme toh na iski height hai, na personality hai, na voice hai,” Shroff had reportedly said earlier.

How Tan-Badan finally happened

Govinda later showed the cassette to his mama ji, who was planning another film at the time. According to the actor, everything changed after that screening. His uncle altered the subject and casting, and decided to launch him.Recalling the moment of confirmation, Govinda said, “Mujhe yaad hai raat ko kuch 7:30 baje hue the… unhone bola ki, ‘Humne ladka select kar liya hai.’”