Govinda was always a joy to watch on screen from the romantic hero of the 80’s to the comic capers of the late 90’s Govinda was always the superstar of the masses. Switching between the roles with ease outshining the stars he worked with from Bachchan to Sanjay dutt it was always tough to match up to the comic timing of him and somewhere along the path, he lost his way.

Do you think you can recapture the magic of your earlier pairing with David after ‘Partner’?
Recapturing the old magic is not the game. Capturing a new magic with what my age is today, what kind of films I will be doing now, what a new director wants from me, that would be new. The old magic is past now.

But don’t you think the masses connect with you primarily because of those early films?
It’s about time and age, which comes in almost every successful actor’s life. It’s a past thing now. And whatever I do today will create my future. From now on, all my movements will be according to that.

You hadn’t worked with Salman when you both were at the peak of your careers, in spite of the fact that you have always been friends?
Not really. I did ‘Deewana Mastana’ with Anil Kapoor, where Salman had a guest appearance. During that time, I suggested Salman’s name to David and Sajid Nadiadwala. I think Salman has a personal touch and warmth in his friendships.

But Salman also seems to be a favorite of David Dhawan and they have also seen many hits together. Did you ever felt sidelined by Salman in ‘Partner’?
It doesn’t make a difference. For me it’s more important to get films. If people appreciate my work, there are more chances to get good films, and they will feel that Govinda is as much interested as he was earlier and he’s working hard. Now it doesn’t make any difference how I am presented in a film and what’s my character’s length. My screen chemistry with Salman was fantastic. I had told David that I would do any character role. But when David took this proposal to Salman, he said he’d do a parallel role with me. I think no hero like him will bring in another hero into his film, especially when he is at his peak. Salman is a thorough entertainer, and he’s not just an actor, but also a good human being. We had a great time on the sets.

At one point of time, you used to do three shifts a day, and work on maximum films at the same time. What’s the scenario these days?
I used to do six shifts. I think I’ve become more serious over the years. People think I’ve become slow but I feel that restricting and selecting my movements has helped me a lot. Today, people tell me that when I speak, my words are restricted. I’ve stopped using free language. With the passage of time, I’ve become more conscious.

You were the King of Comedy for a considerable time. Are you willing to do more comedy or you will look to experiment now?
I did two romantic films, ‘Partner’ and ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’. I’m damn sure ‘Partner’ will break box-office records. I’m open to comedy, romance, action, but less of drama. These days, I’m working a lot for my forthcoming action film. I exercise daily for two hours at the beach. I’m planning to do a film with Kundan Shah, more like an art film but I can’t reveal anything about it now.

In your second innings, did you find it difficult to adapt to the changing systems of the film industry?
The industry has been very good to me all these years and it continues to be so. Being a politician is a more difficult task. Each of the actors making a comeback is doing well. By the grace of God, I’ve done well too. I’m sure that actors like Madhuri will definitely do well. Amitji came back and he did fantastically well, which is history. I think a hardworking person should keep trying, and learn from the people who’ve done well. I’ve also signed Suniel Shetty’s home production ‘Chal Chala Chal’, which is a very unique subject. It’s drastically different in comparison with the films being made today.

Karisma Kapur is also planning a comeback into films now. It was heard that David Dhawan is planning to cast you and her in a film.
I’m happy that Lolo has decided to make a comeback. She is very talented and I think she’ll justify her comeback. It’s true that David is planning to cast Karisma and me in a film but it’s too early to discuss it.

Are you still considering producing films?
No. No more wastage of money.

Don’t you feel that in today’s films, the looks of heroes are changing? Have you attempted a change in that direction in order to get more roles?
I’m aware of the fact; hence I started working hard in order to get into shape. I’ve lost about 20 kilos and I’ve to lose another 10. I’ll soon be going for a hair transplant. So I’m doing everything possible which is required from me as an actor. I think in a month or two people will get to see a new Govinda. I know it’s too little time but I can do it.

Is your daughter Narmada going to enter films? If yes, are you going to launch her or will you leave the responsibility to a trusted director? Would you be comfortable if she were to join the industry?
Yeah, Narmada does seem inclined towards acting. And I’m all for it. Nowadays, kids come into the industry quite young. Although she has been trained in jewellery designing, I won’t stop her from doing what she wants. She’s learning direction. But it depends, since I have many good friends to support her. She’s young yet, but within two-three years, she’ll enter the industry full swing. She’ll soon be assisting Rakesh Roshanji. I’m comfortable with her decision because every job is a job. The world is changing rapidly and with changing times, the generations have to change too.

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