Govinda, the name synonymous with infectious energy, impeccable comic timing, and unparalleled dancing skills, ruled the Bollywood box office in the 90s. His films weren't just movies; they were celebrations, and Govinda was the life of the party. Here are five instances that cemented his status as the undisputed 'No. 1' at the box office, even compelling Salman Khan to emulate his success formula.

1. The Rise of the Comedy King (Early to Mid-90s): While other stars were busy with action and romance, Govinda carved his own niche with comedy. Films like Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) recognized him as a comic actor. This was followed by a string of hits like Aankhen (1993), Raja Babu (1994), and Coolie No. 1 (1995). Govinda wasn't just acting in comedies; he was redefining the genre, blending slapstick with situational humor and topping it off with his signature dance moves. He was "successfully running a parallel industry with one comic entertainer after the other".

2. Aankhen (1993): A Blockbuster That Set the Standard: Aankhen, directed by David Dhawan, wasn't just a hit; it was a phenomenon. Starring Govinda in a dual role alongside Chunky Pandey, the film revolved around two clueless brothers embroiled in political intrigue. Its box office collection was ₹35.5 cr net, establishing Govinda as a comic force to be reckoned with. The film's success cemented Govinda's position, with Box Office India recording its footfalls at 2,85,52,000, declaring it a "Super Blockbuster".

3. The 'No. 1' Franchise: Govinda's reign continued with the 'No. 1' series, each film a box office winner. Hero No. 1 (1997), Anari No. 1 (1999), and Jodi No. 1 (2001) showcased his ability to connect with audiences across all demographics. Hero No. 1, inspired by Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Bawarchi, grossed ₹30.95 crore and was the seventh highest-grossing film of that year. His pairing with Karisma Kapoor became iconic, their chemistry adding another layer of entertainment to his already successful formula. Hero No. 1 had 1,74,28,000 footfalls.

4. David Dhawan: The Perfect Partner: Govinda's collaboration with director David Dhawan was legendary. Together, they delivered 18 films, most of which were major successes. Dhawan understood Govinda's strengths and crafted roles that perfectly showcased his talent. Their partnership was so fruitful that it became a benchmark for Bollywood comedy, setting a standard that many filmmakers aspired to reach.

5. Partner (2007): A Comeback and a Lesson in Humility: After a period of relative lull in his career, Partner (2007), again directed by David Dhawan, marked Govinda's resurgence. Co-starring Salman Khan, the film was a massive hit, grossing ₹60.04 Cr. More than the box office numbers, Partner highlighted Govinda's ability to adapt and reinvent himself while staying true to his comedic roots. Salman Khan himself has acknowledged Govinda's influence, recounting an incident where Govinda's humility and kindness left a lasting impression on him. According to Salman, Govinda's good nature at his peak taught him how to treat fellow human beings. Partner had 1,44,78,000 footfalls.

While Govinda's career trajectory saw its ups and downs, his impact on Bollywood remains undeniable. He wasn't just a star; he was an entertainer who brought joy and laughter to millions. His success formula, characterized by high-energy performances, impeccable comic timing, and memorable dance numbers, not only made him the 'No. 1' at the box office but also influenced a generation of actors, including Salman Khan.