Mumbai: Salman Khan’s ex-girlfriend and former actor Somy Ali has come out in support of Govinda amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his personal life and wife Sunita Ahuja’s allegations of an alleged affair with newcomer Komal Rani Swarnkar.
Praising the veteran actor for his talent and humility, Somy argued that age should not be used to ridicule an actor for continuing to work.
Somy shared a collage of throwback pictures with Govinda on Instagram, praising him as a “great talent” and describing him as one of the most humble actors she had known.
“I am going to chime in here as no one else will and show support whenever it’s necessary: I have known Govinda personally and professionally, which is why I can say a few things about him from both ends. Chichi is one of the greatest talents in the Hindi film industry and he is one of the most humble actors I got to know during my time within that industry. I have immense respect for both Chichi and Sunita,” she wrote.
Somy stressed that an actor should neither be criticised nor ridiculed simply for taking on a project alongside a younger actress.
She wrote, “However, there is nothing ageist about an actor accepting a role with a younger actress. Talent doesn’t have an expiration date. At a time when work may be difficult to find, choosing to keep working is something to respect—not ridicule. An actor’s worth isn’t determined by his age or by the age of his co-star. It’s determined by his talent, professionalism, and willingness to keep going. Getting another opportunity when doors have been difficult to open should be celebrated.”
She further maintained that Govinda’s age should not be held against him as he continues to work and earn a living through his profession.
She wrote, “Every actor deserves the chance to prove that they still have something meaningful to offer. Age should never become a weapon against someone who is simply trying to earn a living and continue doing what he loves. Perhaps the most admirable thing about an actor is his refusal to give up when the industry or others start telling him he’s too old.”
For the unversed, Somy was reportedly in a high-profile relationship with Salman Khan during the 1990s, with their romance said to have lasted from 1991 to 1999.
Sunita Ahuja had earlier addressed reports of Govinda’s alleged affair with Komal Rani Swarnkar.
Her comments resurfaced after Govinda was recently spotted with Komal at Mumbai airport, prompting Sunita to take a jibe at him by calling him a “sugar daddy.”
Meanwhile, Govinda hit back at Sunita over her remarks. Speaking to the paparazzi, the actor asked her to “stay within her limits” and criticised her for allegedly using abusive language against him.