Govinda recently found himself at the center of controversy after stating on Aap Ki Adalat that he was offered a role in James Cameron's blockbuster film Avatar. Despite the actor's insistence on the authenticity of his claim, he faced significant backlash from movie enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Adding to the controversy, former CBFC chief and film producer Pahlaj Nihalani has now refuted Govinda's claims, suggesting a mix-up with an unfinished Hindi film of the same name.

In an interview with Friday Talkies, Pahlaj Nihalani dismissed Govinda's assertion, explaining that the actor had likely confused James Cameron's "Avatar" with an abandoned project of his own. "I had made a film called 'Avatar' with him. We had filmed 40 minutes, which I consider one of my best works, but it got shelved. Due to the same title, I don't know what went wrong in his mind and he kept claiming that he was doing Hollywood's 'Avatar,'" said Nihalani.

He continued, "Govinda said he was offered that 'Avatar' and forgot that it was actually my 'Avatar.' That's the big tragedy. He said let's put this on hold and do something else. We tried to complete the film in one schedule, but last minute, I don't know what almonds he ate with tea that he started fainting. Since then, his mind hasn't been the same. He started talking nonsense, and the schedule kept getting pushed. Some songs and portions of the climax were still remaining, but he didn’t shoot at all. Shots would be ready, he would wake up, and then he would faint. I don't know what was in those almonds, it's still a mystery."

Govinda's last film appearance was in ‘Rangeela Raja,’ produced by Pahlaj Nihalani. Recently, the actor-politician joined Shiva Sena ahead of the Indian Lok Sabha Polls 2024, marking another significant turn in his career.

The actor's recent statements have reignited discussions about his film choices and career trajectory, adding to the ongoing debate about his claims regarding the Hollywood film Avatar.