Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Govinda recalls walking into Narmada River after mother's death
Govinda is a famous Indian movie actor.
His mother, Nirmala Devi, was a Hindustani classical singer and actress who died in 1996.
He loved her very much, and when she died he was heartbroken.
One day his sadness was so strong that he walked into a big river called the Narmada River.
He thought that if he went deeper into the water, he might meet his mother again.
A kind holy man named Ram Kundal helped him come out of the river.
This made Govinda realize that he needed to live for his children.
It took him about two weeks to feel better.
Now he believes that movies, acting, and stardom are a gift from God.
He is currently promoting his new movie, 'Roopa.'
After his mother, Hindustani classical vocalist and actress Nirmala Devi, died on June 15, 1996, at age 69, Govinda said he was in 'tremendous pain' and felt that 'everything was over.'
He walked into the Narmada River believing he would meet his mother again, and when asked if he felt suicidal, he said 'kind of' but does not view his actions as an attempt to end his life.
A sadhu he now remembers as Ram Kundal called out to him from the riverbank and helped him out, leading Govinda to realize that he had to live for his children.
Accounts differ on his recovery: Govinda said it took him around 10 to 15 days to come out of that state of mind, while one report says it took more than 15 days.
Govinda now believes films, acting, and stardom are 'a manifestation of God' and calls fulfilling his mother's dreams for him his 'real achievement'; he is promoting his upcoming film 'Roopa.'
- Who
- Bollywood actor Govinda, whose mother, Hindustani classical vocalist and actress Nirmala Devi, died in 1996
- What
- Govinda recalled walking into the Narmada River out of grief, believing he would meet his mother again, and said a sadhu's help made him realize he had to live for his children
- When
- After Nirmala Devi's death on June 15, 1996; Govinda shared his account in a recent interview with ANI
- Where
- Narmada River
- Why
- He was deeply attached to his mother and overwhelmed by grief after her loss
Govinda's spiritual view
Conventional view
Interpreting the river incident
Govinda's spiritual view
Govinda says he was 'too much in love' with his mother and never intended to end his life; he believes life never ends but simply changes form, so the world's 'suicide' words do not apply.
Conventional view
When asked directly if it was an attempt to end his life, Govinda replied 'Kind of,' and the news coverage frames the episode as a suicide attempt following his mother's death.
- Subject
- Govinda, Bollywood actor
- Late mother
- Nirmala Devi
- Mother's profession
- Hindustani classical vocalist and actress
- Mother's death
- June 15, 1996, at age 69
- Incident location
- Narmada River
- Rescuer
- Sadhu remembered as Ram Kundal
- Recovery time
- Around 10-15 days (one report says more than 15 days)
- Upcoming film
- Roopa, starring newcomer Komal Rani Swarnkar
