Arun Govil is an Indian celebrity who has worked as an actor, director, and producer in many Hindi, Bhojpuri, Oriya, and Telugu films. He was born on January 12, 1958, in Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh, and grew up in Shahjahanpur. Govil completed his education in Science at Meerut University, during which time he became involved with theatre and developed a passion for acting.

Following this, he moved to Mumbai to join his brother’s business, but ended up in the film industry soon after. He made his debut in Prashant Nanda’s Paheli (1977), after his sister-in-law Tabassum introduced him to the film’s producer, Tarachand Barjatya.

Govil’s career was a prolific one even in its early phases. By 1985, he had made appearances in over 30 films including Sawan Ko Aane Do (1979), Sanjh Ko Aanch Nahin (1979), Ayaash (1982), Justice Chaudhury (1983) and Do Dilon Ki Dastaan (1985).

In 1985, Govil began working under Ramanand Sagar’s production banner, playing one of the lead roles in the TV series Vikram Aur Betaal. It was this association that led him, in 1986, to take on the role that would define his career – that of Ram in Ramayan (1986 – 1988). He went to say that it was one of the most difficult roles he played, but one that he would never regret despite it restricting his future career.  He appreciated the large-scale adoration he received for this portrayal and saw it as a defining moment in his life. He even won the Uptron Award for the Best Actor for this role, in 1988.

Due to his work on the Ramayan series, he also developed a strong bond with Sunil Lahiri, his co-star who played Laxman, his on-screen brother. They became partners in a number of projects after that.

Govil went on to portray several other mythological characters following his role as Ram, including those of Harishchandra and Gautam Buddha. Interestingly, he himself did not consider himself to be particularly religious in real life, but grew to become more spiritual and religious as his life and career progressed.

Govil’s last television appearance was in Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein (2004), while his most recent work in films was as a voice artist for the character of Ram in the animated film Lava Kusa: The Warrior Wins (2010). In 2013, Govil expressed his strong desire to retire from television, and has not been seen onscreen since.