Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda has long been at the center of speculation regarding his private life, particularly concerning rumored affairs. The situation escalated after his wife, Sunita Ahuja, publicly criticized him for his extramarital relationships, which she claims harmed their family. One of the most talked-about rumored relationships was with actress Neelam Kothari in the 1990s, with discussions about their connection still ongoing today. Recently, Neelam shared insights about her past and her struggles in a previous marriage.
In a recent episode of the Netflix series Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, Neelam Kothari opened up about her relationship with Rishi Sethia, a UK-based businessman, whom she married in 2000. She explained that after relocating abroad, she faced pressures to conform to a traditional lifestyle that included changing her name, dressing conservatively, and abandoning certain dietary habits. Feeling that her identity was under threat, Neelam expressed her discontent, stating, “Changing my identity, that is something I was not okay with.”
Reflecting on the challenges she faced, Neelam recounted a particularly tough time when she felt compelled to deny her celebrity status. Confronted by fans who recognized her, she felt obliged to distance herself from her past, creating a deep sense of loss. Ultimately, Neelam made the difficult decision to leave her marriage and return to India. Since 2011, she has found happiness in her relationship with actor Samir Soni.
Neelam’s journey hasn’t been without its share of emotional moments. She described a heart-wrenching experience when her adopted daughter, Ahana, learned about her mother’s divorce by uncovering information online. This revelation led to a challenging conversation, leaving Neelam “stumped” and struggling to find the right words for her daughter. Witnessing Ahana’s reaction was especially painful for Neelam, who had hoped to protect her daughter from the harsher realities of her past.
In January 2026, Neelam Kothari also addressed persistent rumors regarding a supposed affair with Govinda. While appearing on a podcast, she spoke highly of him, categorically denying any romantic involvement. Emphasizing that they have always shared a respectful professional relationship, Neelam stated, “He is a wonderful human being, and we have done several hit films. But this is not true.”
She attributed these long-standing rumors to the media culture of the time, which often linked co-stars romantically if they worked together on multiple projects. Neelam noted that during the pre-social media era, actors felt vulnerable to press speculation, as they had little opportunity to clarify these situations. She remarked, “Link-ups were part of the whole game. There was no one to clarify. They just printed whatever they felt like.”
What do you think of Neelam Kothari’s revelations about her marriage and her perspective on the rumors surrounding her relationship with Govinda? Share your thoughts with us.