Amitabh Bachchan Honked Outside Govinda’s House, Picked Him Up To Avoid Shoot Delays

At the peak of his popularity, Govinda’s biggest hurdle wasn’t talent or box office pull — it was time. His habit of arriving late on set had become such a serious issue that several senior actors had stopped

working with him altogether. When he was finally paired with Amitabh Bachchan, an actor known for near-military punctuality, many expected clashes. Instead, it was Big B’s professionalism that kept the film running, and turned a potential disaster into one of Bollywood’s most remembered behind-the-scenes stories.

In an old interaction with Aaj Tak, Govinda said he was honest with Bachchan from day one. “When I started the film, I spoke to Mr Amitabh Bachchan and said ‘Sir, I have signed too many films, senior actors often don’t work with me. How are you here? When he joined, I was scared because he is such a veteran. People were also scaring me that he always comes on time. I said I can’t (come on time) because I am tied up in so many movies.’”
How Amitabh Bachchan Solved the Problem
Instead of reacting harshly, Bachchan chose a practical solution. Govinda recalled how the senior actor reassured him and cleared the air. “Mr Bachchan said, ‘You call me and let me know what time are you coming. I don’t have a problem and it is not my concern if anyone has a problem with your timings’. After this conversation, I signed that film.”
What followed surprised many.
‘He Would Bring Him to Set Himself’
Actor Vijay Patkar later shared how Bachchan went a step further to ensure the shoot stayed on track. Speaking to Filmymantra Media, he said, “Amitabh used to go in his car and honk for him to come along to the shoot. He would bring him to set in his car. That’s why Bachchan ji is still working. If you want to throw tantrums, first reach that level.”
The story has since become one of those rare Bollywood moments that quietly explain why Bachchan’s reputation remains intact decades later.

Govinda and Amitabh Bachchan worked together in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, a 1998 action comedy that became popular for its mix of humour and action.