Govind nee' Ahuja (born 21 December 1963), known mononymously as Govinda, is an Indian film actor, comedian, dancer, and former politician known for his work in Hindi films. Known for his slapstick performances and dancing skills, Govinda has received twelve Filmfare Award nominations, a Filmfare Special Award, a Filmfare Award for Best Comedian, and four Zee Cine Awards. The actor was a member of the Parliament of India from 2004 to 2009. Govinda's first film was 1986's Ilzaam, and he has appeared in over 165 Hindi films. He has been the major source of inspiration for Telugu actors and his style of acting and dance is followed in Telugu film industry till date. In June 1999, he was voted the tenth-greatest star of stage or screen in a BBC News Online poll.

His first lead role was in Tan-Badan opposite Kushboo, directed by his uncle Anand. Govinda began shooting for his next film, Love 86, in June 1985. His first release was Ilzaam (1986) which was a box office success, soon followed by another hit Love 86 that same year. He went on to star in many films of various genres between 1987 and 1989 including the family dramas Khudgarz (1987), Dariya Dil (1988), Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1988) and action and drama films including Hatya (1988), Marte Dam Tak (1987), Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1988) and Jung Baaz (1989). Govinda worked with David Dhawan for the first time in the 1989 action film Taaqatwar and worked with Rajinikanth and Sridevi in Gair Kanooni that same year.