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As veteran actor Govinda’s personal life and marriage to Sunita Ahuja continue to face intense media scrutiny, longtime friend and co-star Anupam Kher has publicly stepped forward to offer perspective and support.

Calling Govinda "one of the finest actors" Indian cinema has ever produced, Kher urged his former co-star not to allow personal controversies and difficult habits to eclipse his artistic legacy. Speaking with journalist Faridoon Shahryar, Kher shared that while he refuses to pass judgment on anyone's private affairs, he recently phoned Govinda simply to offer reassurance and remind him that this phase will eventually pass.

Kher, who shared screen space with Govinda in landmark commercial blockbusters—including Hum, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Raja Babu, Deewana Mastana, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Haseena Maan Jaayegi—lauded Govinda's unmatched natural rhythm before addressing his career lull: “I am very fond of Govinda. I think he is one of the finest actors that I have worked with. I have done 10-12 films with him. Improvisation, acting, dance—no one can compete with him. But you should not allow your personal life or your habits to overshadow your entire life.”

Making it clear that he was not offering unsolicited moral judgment, Kher added: “I am no one to pass a judgment on him. He knows his life better, and he can deal with it.”

Reflecting on how difficult times can derail public figures, Kher revealed he tried getting in touch with Govinda directly as rumors escalated: “I called him once, and he said he will call me back. I wanted to tell him, 'This too shall pass.'”

“Everyone’s life has tragedy. I don't think the problem is that he doesn't know how to market himself. I think he has gotten bogged down by his surroundings, by his life, but he hasn't given up yet, so there is hope. I pray that he bounces back and does much more work than he is doing.”

Anupam Kher’s measured, empathetic response reflects the sentiments of an industry peer who witnessed Govinda at the pinnacle of his superstardom in the 1990s. Rather than feeding tabloid sensationalism, Kher’s advice highlights the tragedy of an exceptional acting talent getting consumed by off-screen noise—holding out hope that the star can disentangle his personal entanglements and stage the cinematic comeback his craft deserves.