Arun Govil is an Indian actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar‘s epic television series, “Ramayan.” His compelling performance endeared him to millions of viewers and made him a household name. Govil’s portrayal of the virtuous Lord Rama transcended the small screen, creating a cultural phenomenon.
Arun Govil was born on 12 January 1958 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Chandra Prakash Govil, was a government waterworks engineer, a profession that reflected the family’s modest yet disciplined background. Arun was the fourth of six brothers and two sisters. His brother Vijay Govil is the husband of Tabassum, a legendry child actress and the host of the first Bollywood Celebrity talk show on Doordarshan Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan.
His family moved to Shahjahanpur when he was a child. he completed his early education from Shahjahanpur. In 1972 he completed his B.Sc. from G F College Shahjahanpur, Agra University.
Film Career
In 1975, Arun moved to Mumbai to join his brother Vijay’s business. His sister-in-law Tabassum, encouraged him to join the industry. She introduced him to film producer Tarachand Barjatya, Arun made his acting debut in 1977 with the Hindi film Paheli, directed by Prashanta Nanda.
Barjatya, impressed by his performance, signed him for a three-film deal. The firs film was Sawan Ko Aane Do (1979), directed by Kanak Mishra. Playing Birju, a village musician, Arun showcased his ability to portray heartfelt, relatable characters. The film was a major commercial success, with its evergreen music still cherished by audiences today.
Another hit from the same year, Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin, directed by Satyen Bose. However, Raadha Aur Seeta (1979), part of the same three-film deal, did not perform well at the box office. Some of his other films include Judaai (1980), Ganga Dham (1980), Itni Si Baat (1981), Jiyo To Aise Jiyo (1981), Commander (1981), Ayaash (1982), Justice Chaudhury (1983), Himmatwala (1983), Do Dilon Ki Dastaan (1985), Uske Baad (1985), Dilwaala (1986) and many more. In the mid-80s he acted inany low-budget, sleazy films like Maashuka, Bistar, Nafrat, etc.
TV Career
The failure of most of his subsequent films forced him to move to small screen. In 1985 he starred in Ramanand Sagar’s Vikram Aur Betaal (1985), with Sajjan. The serrial was a big success. Arun’s defining role came in 1987 with Ramanand Sagar’s epic Ramayan, where he portrayed Lord Rama. Initially rejected for the role, Arun was later cast after the makers reconsidered their decision, unable to find a better fit. The series, aired on Doordarshan, became a cultural phenomenon, making Arun a household name across India.
His serene and dignified portrayal of Rama resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom revered him as a divine figure in real life. The show’s re-telecast in March 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown reaffirmed its enduring popularity, with Arun sharing a viral photo of himself watching it with his family. He also acted in serials like Luv Kush (1989), Vishwamitra (1989), Phoolwanti (1992), Mashaal (1994), Jai Veer Hanuman (1995), Aparajita (1995) and many more.
Personal Life
Arun Govil married Shrilekha, a textile designer and later an actress. Shrilekha appeared in a few Hindi films from the late 1980s to mid-1990s, including Uske Baad (1985), where she acted alongside Arun. They have two children: a son, and a daughter, Sonika Govil. Amal Govil works as a banker in Mumbai. His daughter, Sonika Govil, who pursued studies at Hult International Business School in Boston, USA.
Arun Govil on IMDB
