When Govinda gifted his shirt to Raaj Kumar and got stunned by the reaction

Back in 1987, during the shooting of 'Marte Dam Tak' the sets witnessed a memorable incident involving two iconic actors—Govinda and Raaj Kumar. Known for his unique and sometimes eccentric presence on film sets, Raaj Kumar once had a playful yet sharp exchange with the young Govinda that has since become a piece of Bollywood folklore. The story was recently shared by the film’s director, Mehul Kumar who was giving fans a peek into the lighter side of the industry’s veterans.

Govinda had worn a bright and eye-catching shirt to the set that day which caught Raaj Kumar’s attention. Raaj Kumar complimented the actor on his shirt but the praise was laced with sarcasm. However, Govinda didn’t catch the subtle irony in Raaj Kumar’s words. Taking the compliment at face value, Govinda decided to gift Raaj Kumar the very same shirt the following day as a gesture of goodwill.

What happened next left everyone stunned

Raaj Kumar with his trademark wit, transformed Govinda’s generous gift into a practical handkerchief using it openly to wipe his hands and nose. This unexpected act of sarcasm played out right in front of Govinda, who was left speechless by the incident. Mehul Kumar recounted this moment to Bollywood Thikana adding that Govinda likely found the whole episode a bit awkward.

Raaj kumar’s playful jabs and behind-the-scenes banter

Mehul Kumar also revealed another amusing anecdote about Raaj Kumar’s observations on Govinda’s energetic nature. The veteran actor remarked to the director that Govinda was constantly dancing—even while on set. Mehul’s reaction was simple, “he is a dancer,” but Raaj Kumar couldn’t understand why Govinda’s dancing seemed relentless, jokingly questioning his nonstop moves. This light-hearted teasing, however was never directed openly at Govinda, keeping their professional respect intact.

Mehul Kumar’s cinematic journey

Though 'Marte Dam Tak' didn’t make a major impact at the box office, Mehul Kumar went on to direct some of the most memorable hits in the 1990s. His films 'Tirangaa' (1992) and 'Krantiveer' (1994) remain cult classics, featuring powerful performances from legends like Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar. 'Tirangaa' paired Raaj Kumar with Nana Patekar, while 'Krantiveer' brought together Nana and Atul Agnihotri, further establishing Mehul Kumar’s reputation as a filmmaker of impactful cinema.

Looking ahead: Govinda’s comeback

Fans of Govinda can look forward to his upcoming film 'Bhagam Bhag 2,' slated for release in 2026. The actor’s charm and energy continue to captivate audiences, proving his enduring appeal in the Bollywood landscape.