Bollywood’s landscape is ever-evolving, and even icons are not immune to its shifting tides. Amitabh Bachchan, the towering superstar whose presence once commanded frenzied crowds, has openly reflected on how the 1990s brought a new force to the fore — the incomparable Govinda.

In a nostalgic interview with journalist Rajeev Masand, Amitabh recounted the period when he stepped away from films briefly. “Whatever I tried during that phase wasn’t really sticking,” he admitted. Meanwhile, Govinda, with his electrifying dance moves, impeccable comic timing, and natural charm, was ruling the box office and capturing the hearts of a younger generation of fans.

Amitabh remembered the stark contrast in fan reactions during promotions. “The whole equation changes. The crowd is not as attracted to you. People don’t look at you the same way they used to,” he said. He described his past experiences during films like Laawaris and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, when mere appearances could cause a scene of utter chaos. Limousines and underground lifts were often needed just to get him safely from one location to another.

Years later, during a film promotion alongside Govinda and Raveena Tandon, Amitabh experienced something entirely different. “We got off this great big limousine into the theatre, and nobody looked at you. You’re just walking in like the rest of the audience. So, you realise the difference,” he reflected.

Perhaps the most memorable anecdote Amitabh shared was from the shoot of Hum (1991). He humorously recounted an encounter with a group of young fans: “I was shooting with Govinda when a group of kids came up to me. One of the boys asked for an autograph. Govinda was standing right next to me. Then, a young, cute girl stepped forward, gave him a little slap, and said, ‘Woh nahin, yeh. Govinda ka autograph lo’ — ‘Not him, take Govinda’s autograph.’ It was priceless.”

This moment, Amitabh explained, made him appreciate the unpredictability of stardom and the fleeting nature of fame. “The dynamics change, and it humbles you. It’s part of the journey,” he added.

As Govinda recovers from a brief hospital scare earlier this week — admitted due to fatigue from excessive exercise but thankfully discharged the same day — fans are reminded of the actor’s enduring charm and his legendary reign in the 1990s. Amitabh, meanwhile, continues to work on new projects, including his upcoming comeback film Duniyadari, announced in June 2025.

Through tales of changing fan adoration and unexpected encounters, Amitabh’s reflections serve as a reminder that even the biggest stars must navigate the evolving currents of Bollywood fame — sometimes finding joy, humility, and humor in the rise of the next generation.

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