"Chamkile kapde pehanna ek signature hai": Govinda says Mumbai local train style inspired his flashy fashion, set trend in Bollywood
Mumbai, August 9
Bollywood actor Govinda, known for his distinctive comic timing, energetic dance moves and colourful screen persona, recently opened up about his unconventional fashion choices and how his vibrant style became a signature associated with him.
In a conversation with ANI, Govinda recalled how he drew inspiration from ordinary people he would see wearing bright and shiny clothes, particularly during his travels on Mumbai's local trains.
"Chamkile kapde pehanna ek bayaan hai..ek signature hai...jab local train mein jaate the aese aese chamakdar kapde pehan kar aate the (kuch log)...ek lalak thi to vo jo chamkile kapde local train ke deekhe the maine kaha. Kabhi na kabhi to use karunga (Wearing flashy clothes is a statement... it's a signature. When we used to travel by local train, I would see people wearing those shiny, eye-catching clothes.. I remember thinking, "Someday, somehow, I'll wear clothes like these too."), " Govinda said, explaining the thought behind his flamboyant wardrobe.
The actor said such clothes were not merely about fashion but also a way for people to stand out and make their presence felt.
"So, when a poor man doesn't have any space to show off, then he does something so that people look at him. So, he feels, not me, he feels that a person like us will wear such colorful clothes and show it to people and they will know that they are leaving a different type of print in the crowd," he said.
Govinda, who became one of Bollywood's biggest entertainers through films such as 'Raja Babu', 'Coolie No. 1', 'Hero No. 1', 'Sajan Chale Sasural' and 'Dulhe Raja', said his colourful style eventually became part of a wider fashion trend.
"The whole world has come, you go to the fashion world, Govinda is there," he said, when asked about his influence on fashion.
The ace star added that he is "very happy " that he had set a trend,
The actor also pointed out that the influence of colourful trousers and vibrant styling could later be seen among other popular Bollywood stars.
Govinda's fashion choices, much like his dance style, became an integral part of his screen identity during 1990s. His brightly coloured shirts, shiny outfits and unconventional combinations complemented the larger-than-life characters he portrayed on screen.
Reflecting on his approach to life and style, Govinda said, "The thing is that life is very beautiful. If you want, you can have fun like this, you can have fun like that..."
On the work front, Govinda is promoting his upcoming film 'Roopa' also starring Komal Rani Swarnkar. The project marks his comeback to film after several years.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I love how he's honest about his inspiration. It's not just about clothes, it's about confidence and making your presence felt. In a crowd of millions, sometimes you need that one thing that makes you stand out. Govinda ji nailed it! 👏
Honestly, I think this is a beautiful story. He's saying that poor people use fashion as a way to be noticed. That's so real. It's not about having money or status, it's about having that spirit. Govinda's style was always about attitude, not cost. Respect!
As someone who didn't grow up in Mumbai, this gives me a new appreciation for Govinda's style. It's raw, it's real, it's Indian street culture elevated to the big screen. The guy has always been underrated as a trendsetter in my opinion.
The way he describes it is so touching. "When a poor man doesn't have any space to show off" - that's deep. He understood that fashion is a voice for those who aren't heard. And then he made it mainstream. Doesn't get more iconic than that! 😍
This is a classic case of "style over fashion." Govinda didn't follow trends, he started them. From the local train to the big screen, his journey is an inspiration. Also, can we talk about how well he's still dancing in his comeback? The man still has it!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.