Many famous individuals join the political fray by aligning with the reigning party. In an attempt to succeed in politics, some resort to sycophancy for undeserved advancement. While some succeed, others see their reputation tarnished. There can’t be a better example of this than Govinda who completely destroyed his image by doing the Swamibhakti of Gandhi parivar.
Govinda surpassed Congress’ faithful follower in the race for flattery
In 2004, Congress was in a good position to form the government at centre and its supporters were confident that Sonia Gandhi would become PM. However, the opposition led by Sushma Swaraj raised objections over her Italian heritage and staged a strong protest. At the time, Sushma Swaraj, a senior BJP leader, who later became the External Affairs Minister, threatened to shave her head in case Sonia Gandhi became PM.
On account of growing protest, Sonia Gandhi had to give up on her ambitions. In an attempt to take a moral high ground and have a back door run at the office, she renounced her claim to the post of Prime Minister dubbing it as “voice of conscience”.
However, the entire coterie of Gandhi loyalists were perplexed by the sudden announcement. In an attempt to prove their loyalty towards the Gandhi family, every party member started issuing pleading appeals. Requesting Sonia Gandhi to change her decision, everyone of them hailed her as the only plausible and able leader to occupy that post.
Surprisingly, Bollywood actor Govinda was one of them. Back then, he had defeated the then MP [and later Governor of UP] and Petroleum Resources Minister Ram Naik from North Mumbai in the Lok Sabha elections.
A ABP docudrama series, Pradhan Mantri, accurately depicted the fierce competition of demonstrating greater allegiance to the Gandhi family. The series demonstrated that several party leaders persuaded “Rajmata” in their own ways. For example, Renuka Chowdhary made an emotional appeal in the House and had virtually broke down while doing so. Similarly, from Mani Shankar Aiyar to Kapil Sibal, all of them tried to pressure Sonia Gandhi to rethink her decision.
In the midst of all of them, Bollywood actor Govinda also could not control himself.
In a broken voice, he said, “जिस पद को पाने हेतु सभी लालायित रहते हैं, उस पद को छोड़ने के लिए तैयार होने वाला व्यक्ति ही उस पद का असली अधिकारी होता है।” ( Translated – The individual deserving of a position the most is the one who is willing to step down from it. )
To persuade Sonia Gandhi to accept the Prime Minister’s post, Govinda kept making emotional appeals outcompeting other notorious Congress loyalists in terms of sycophancy.
Also Read: Govinda’s acting stars would have been on the ascent but he squandered the opportunity
Even after going out of line and belittling his own stature, Govinda was shown the exit door by Congress at a later stage, although the same happened with Kapil Sibal. But the point is in issuing appeals to Sonia Gandhi, Govinda acted more like a loyal serf desperately wanting to please the Gandhi-family rather than acting poised as an acting legend or rather an institution of acting and host of other things.
On several occasions, Govinda claims that his career was ruined by the film industry. But the matter of fact is that if there is any individual accountable for the setback in Govinda’s later cinematic career, it would undoubtedly be the actor himself. An embodiment of mastery and excellence, Govinda is truly accomplished in every aspect of his craft. Many of his own decisions are to be blamed for his downfall, one of which was his blind devotion to Sonia Gandhi. Even Govinda has been regretting these decisions of joining politics ever since.
That is why one should keep their act as far grounded in Pragmatism as possible. Don’t forget that Pragmatism is the cornerstone of a solid legacy and a hint of sycophancy can completely tarnish it.
Please provide your valuable advice in the comment section so that prominent individuals do not fall into the unfortunate fate of Govinda.
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