A new set of photographs shared by actor Rani Swarnkar has brought her association with Govinda back into public discussion. The images, apparently taken during a promotional outing for their film Roopa, show the co-stars in affectionate poses, including one in which Govinda stands behind Rani with his arms around her waist and another where they walk hand in hand.

Rani posted the pictures on Instagram with the caption, “Beautiful glimpses of Roopa.” Govinda was seen in a white blazer, black trousers and oversized sunglasses, while Rani wore a lavender saree with an embellished purple blouse, a statement choker and matching accessories.

The photographs have surfaced against the backdrop of months of public exchanges involving the two actors and Govinda's wife, Ssunita Ahuja. While Govinda has described his connection with Rani as work-related, Ssunita has made critical remarks about the co-stars and their alleged relationship. Rani, in turn, has used social media to respond to the controversy.

Govinda describes rumours as a planned conspiracy

Speculation about the actors has continued through 2026. In September, Govinda and Rani were spotted at Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja pandal seeking blessings. The actor later explained that their visit was connected to the promotion of Roopa.

Speaking to ANI, Govinda dismissed the rumours about their relationship, describing them as a “strategically planned conspiracy” designed to damage his reputation and create discord within his family. He maintained that his association with Rani was strictly professional.

He also objected to the public scrutiny of his private life, saying that even if an affair existed, it was not a matter for outsiders to concern themselves with.

Rani accuses Ssunita of dragging her into marital dispute

Rani addressed the controversy through a lengthy post on her Instagram Stories. Although she did not directly identify Ssunita, her comments appeared to be aimed at the criticism surrounding her association with Govinda.

“Nobody ever can be a homebreaker in an already broken house,” she wrote, questioning why she was being made part of the couple's marital issues. She also accused Ssunita of portraying herself as a victim to gain public sympathy.

Rani went on to make allegations about Govinda's treatment within the marriage. She claimed he had faced mental harassment, restrictions on his professional opportunities and pressure to stay at home, which she said had affected his personal and working life.

She also questioned Ssunita's decision to discuss private matters in public and suggested that the controversy could be part of a broader agenda. Asking her not to use her name in the dispute, Rani wrote, “Stop using my name to serve your agenda. May God protect every decent man from such cunning women.”

Neither Govinda nor Ssunita had publicly responded to these particular allegations.

Ssunita says she hopes marriage will survive

Ssunita has made several public remarks about Govinda and Rani, at one point referring to the actor as Rani's “sugar daddy”. She also alleged, while speaking to paparazzi, that the co-stars were planning to marry.

However, she has also indicated that she hopes to reconcile with her husband. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Ssunita spoke about their 40-year marriage and said she believed their relationship would endure despite the current difficulties.

“Of course, we will see, why won't we? Currently, the time isn't in our favour and one cannot fight with time. It's a 40-year-old marriage, why won't it sustain? It's fine, he's doing what he likes. I am working, and my entire focus is on work but nobody can ever separate us in this lifetime,” she said.

Ssunita added that she had placed the situation in God's hands and would accept whatever outcome was right for both of them.

Govinda's manager rules out second marriage

Ssunita's remarks about a possible wedding between Govinda and Rani prompted a denial from the actor's manager, Shashi Sinha.

Speaking to India Today, Sinha rejected the suggestion that Govinda was preparing for another marriage, saying there was no such plan and that Ssunita remained his wife. He added that there might be reasons behind her making those claims.

Govinda and Ssunita married in 1987 and have two children. Their relationship has remained at the centre of public attention as speculation about the actor and his co-star continues.