Govinda says his mother left films and became an ascetic to raise her children

Govinda says his mother, Nirmala Devi, gave up acting to raise her family.

She had been a lead actor in Hindi films, beginning with her 1942 debut.

Govinda recalled that his father warned her that people might stare at her when she went looking for work.

Nirmala shaved her head and became an ascetic, while caring for the couple’s five children.

The family faced financial hardship after a film made by Govinda’s parents failed, and they left their home in Bandra for Virar.

Seeing his mother struggle pushed Govinda to succeed as an actor, and he later became a film star.

He says her example also shaped his detachment from criticism and public opinion.