Karisma Kapoor recalls meeting Govinda for the first time

Karisma Kapoor once revisited the first time she met Govinda, years before they became one of Bollywood's memorable onscreen pairs. The actress recalled being a young admirer who stood backstage with a red rose while watching the actor perform with Neelam Kothari.The anecdote was shared in 2024 when Karisma Kapoor and Govinda reunited to celebrate 25 years of their film 'Hero No. 1' on a reality show. A promo from the episode featured the actress reflecting on her admiration for Govinda and their eventual journey together.

Karisma Kapoor wanted to meet Govinda as a fan

Karisma Kapoor developed an admiration for Govinda well before she entered the film industry. His dancing had made a strong impression on her, particularly after she watched his 1987 movie 'Khudgarz'.

The actress recalled being drawn to the song 'Aap Ke Aa Jane Se'. Her excitement was strong enough for her to tell her parents that she wanted to meet Govinda and get an autograph or photograph. Karisma Kapoor said, “I was a huge fan of Chi Chi ji (Govinda) since the very beginning, just like everyone else.

I was so crazy for his dance that I remember when Khudgarz (1987) had released, I was in love with the song ‘Aap ke aa jane se.’

That is when I told my mom and dad that I have to meet Govinda Ji anyhow and take an autograph or a photo with him.”

She watched Govinda perform from backstage

Karisma Kapoor eventually got the chance to see Govinda in person during one of his performances. She remembered standing behind the curtains and watching him dance alongside Neelam Kothari. The actress said the moment felt almost unreal because she was seeing the star she had admired from a distance. She further said, “I remember his show was on with Neelam (Kothari) and his performance on street dancer was on.

Chi Chi ji was in this gold outfit and I was there backstage standing with a rose in my hand.

I was peeping through the curtains unable to believe that I was seeing Chi Chi ji and Neelam dance. So I’ve been a fan of him since then and I was so excited when I gave him the rose!”

Govinda asked if she wanted to become an actress

Their first meeting also included a question that would later prove significant in Karisma Kapoor's career. Govinda asked her whether she wanted to become a heroine.

Karisma Kapoor recalled that she answered shyly. Govinda then encouraged her with a prediction about her future in films. "And when Chi Chi ji met me, he asked me, “Aap heroine banna chahati hein?” and I shyly said, “Ya.” And that is when he said, “App bahaut badi heroine banogi! Who knew that we would eventually work together!" she says.

The two eventually shared the screen in several films, turning that early fan encounter into a long professional association.

Karisma Kapoor and Govinda worked in 11 films

Karisma Kapoor and Govinda became a popular onscreen combination during the 1990s. Their films often brought together comedy, romance and dance, while their chemistry became a key part of their collaborations. The actors appeared together in 11 films. Their notable projects included 'Raja Babu', 'Andaz Apna Apna', 'Coolie No. 1' and 'Haseena Maan Jaayegi'. Karisma Kapoor and Govinda's last film together was the 2000 crime thriller 'Shikari'.

Directed by N. Chandra, the movie was released on October 6, 2000.