Govinda recalls feeling suicidal, walking into Narmada river to meet his mother after her death

Govinda. Pic via Instagram

Actor Govinda recently opened up about the devastating impact his mother Nirmala Devi's death had on his life. The actor recalled a deeply painful incident when he walked into the Narmada River following her death. He shared that he was so overwhelmed that he believed he could "meet" his mother again. The actor admitted that he was "kind of" suicidal at the time.

Govinda on feeling suicidal after mother;s death

Govinda's mother, Nirmala Devi, died in 1996. The actor, who was recently seen supporting his wife on Lock Upp, shared that her death left him in tremendous pain. Speaking to ANI, the actor recalled, "I was in a lot of pain. At that point, I felt that everything was over; that was it."

Further recalling what unfolded at the Narmada River, the 62-year-old actor said, "I was at the Narmada River. I thought I would go a little farther into the river and that I would meet my mother again. So, I went." When asked if he was feeling suicidal at the time, Govinda revealed, "Kind of. I was deeply attached to my mother. I was too much in love with her."

However, the actor added that he did not see his actions as an attempt to end his life. He said, "That's what the world calls it. People use suicide-type of words. We don't really have anything like that. Life never ends. It takes on new faces; it takes on new forms."

He then recalled that a priest, whom he remembers as Ram Kundal, noticed him in the river and called out to him. The priest then approached the actor and helped him come out safely. Govinda says the encounter eventually made him realise that he must step back from what he was doing. "I realised someone said to me at that time that I was doing something wrong. And I learned a lesson. I realised that I have to live for my children," he shared.

The actor added that it took him more than 15 days to recover from the grief and find a renewed sense of purpose in life. He says the experience also changed his perspective on films, acting and stardom.

About Govinda's mother

Govinda's mother, Nirmala Devi, was a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and actor. She passed away on June 15, 1996, at the age of 69.

On the work front, Govinda is currently busy promoting his upcoming film Roopa, which stars newcomer Komal Rani Swarnkar.