An Exclusive Interview With Govinda

Govinda now is starting afresh. He feels it is time for him to try something new and do different roles. Govinda talks about his latest film 'Ek Aur Ek Gyarah'.

David Dhawan and you have been special. What magic have you generated in this film?
Well both David and I try to do our best. We click together because we jell well and understand each other’s plus and minus points. That way we know what the other is thinking and how far can the other go. we have worked and clicked in the past and we hope to do the same this time round too.

What kind of contribution do you make in a film?
The scenes and subject usually are the same but the entertainment is such a thing which has to be created then and there. At times you have to break rules, clichés and give something new to the audience. At times scenes which are written are monotonous so you need to work on them. The writers fall back on their personal experiences and pen it down without realizing, so you need to work on that and give it a bigger image. Improvisation is a necessity in films. We try to do the same improvisation on the sets. That’s the only initiative I take or else the producer and director feel I am interfering too much or taking advantaging. But then I don’t let any scene be a regular scene either. I keep adding elements but not too much, just in limits.

It must please you when people say that comedy and Govinda today are synonymous?
I have worked very hard to reach this position. It is a fact that whenever a filmmaker is making a comedy, the first name he thinks of is Govinda. People say I’ve been typecast but I’ve always tried to give people something fresh within the genre.

  What is the secret of your continuing success?
It’s impossible for me to single out any one factor. Does one know why Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor were so successful together? Each, in his own way, provided great entertainment. I think Baba and me complement each other so well that it blinds the audience to our faults.

Nandini Singh is paired opposite you in the film. What was it like working with her? Was she intimidated by you?
No. Nothing of the sorts. She is very confident. Today a whole new generation has come into our films and they are too confident, know what they want and they are clear about their work. It is a good step. They aren’t into any politics, have no hang-ups which brings a fresh working environment. Both Amrita Arora and Nandini Singh are really good in the film. Nandini has known my family since a long time and that’s why she could work more freely with me. I make friends with all my co stars to make them comfortable and feel at home. I feel that way a person gives more and is relaxed so it adds to the scenes. Pressure is bad for actors.

Sanjay Dutt and you make a good team.
We just go in and start throwing lines at each other. Out of the confusion, these gags emerge that have you in splits. Suddenly, everybody from the director to the lightman is laughing. Working with Baba is a hugely satisfying experience. I want this partnership to flourish.

What place does comedy occupy in your personal life?
I’m not one of those actors who is morose in private or has a guilty secret to hide. I laugh all the time. If I see my wife or kids with a long face, I immediately start doing something funny so I can make them laugh.

From Neelam in Love 86 to Nandini Singh in EAEG, you’ve worked with every heroine under the sun...
The reason for my long innings is that I have no ego hassles. In the early years I went on a signing spree and then worked three shifts a day to wrap up the projects. I was so busy that it made sense to be on good terms with my co-stars. They were all fabulous girls and I’ve enjoyed working with them.

  Would you be interested in doing a negative role?
I’ve done roles with negative shades in the past but they did not gel well with the audience. But if I find a well-written role that does full justice to my capabilities, then I may accept a negative role again.

You’ve taken to writing poetry...
I’ve been writing poetry from a very early age. I had this habit of jotting down my thoughts in my diary. Sometimes ago, I decided to translate these thoughts into random bits of poetry and started playing around with words. Since then, I’ve compiled around 150 poems. Most of my poems are satirical.

In between you cut an album and it did well but you didn’t come up with another one. Why?
I am a son of a classical vocalist Nirmala Devi. And being her son I didn’t think I was singing that well or that people had any expectations from me as a singer. Those who know me and have heard me must have realised that I lack in so many areas where singing is concerned. That’s why I can’t make it an alternate career. I had done that stint for my sister and for fun too. I can’t sing again professionally.

So are you satisfied as an actor today?
Not too satisfied. It is something one has to achieve film by film. As a co worker in Ek Aur Ek Gyarah I feel satisfied about one thing which is the way Subhash Ghai has made the film. And the way David was serious about the project. Sanjay Dutt was working harder, the girls were and I was giving more too. Everyone has tired to give something new and that honesty shows. I feel satisfied about that. I feel satisfied about the chemistry we have in the film inspite of some hurdles we had in the beginning of the film. People tried to sabotage this film. But by the grace of god things went back to normal.