| | | | Nach govinda nach: Govinda performing at the Screen and Star Azadi Express show | On Thursday evening, Govinda had a massive fight with show organisers Ali and Mohammed Morani over a TV show for Independence Day. Says a source, "There was a big fight between them at Govinda's residence in Juhu.
Govinda had committed to doing a show for them for Independence Day (to be recorded on August 9 and telecast on August 15 on Star TV at 10 am). However, Govinda didn't know it was a live show, so at the last moment, he backed out.
This infuriated the Moranis, who then landed up at Govinda's residence and had a massive showdown.
When Govinda refused to come to the venue, the Moranis physically picked him up and took him to the NCPA Grounds!"
Conflicting story
The Moranis try to dismiss the fight but give us conflicting versions. Mohammed says, "It was a misunderstanding; there was no fight. Govinda didn't know it was a live show, thinking it was being recorded for TV.
He behaved well, performed to a dance number and even recited one of his own poems at the show. The theme of the show had Sajid Khan playing an NRI who meets Kasturba Gandhi (Sarita Joshi) and gets influenced by her ideals."
As for whether they personally 'escorted' Govinda to the venue on August 9, Morani says, "We have to go to Govinda's home for everything, from discussing the deal to signing the contract. This was no exception."
However, Ali Morani says, "There was no fight. Govinda knew right from the beginning that this was a live show. He fully co-operated with us."
Not convinced
Govinda, however, spills the beans saying, "There was an argument. The Moranis wanted me to perform in the show but things were constantly changed. The shoot timings were cancelled and I didn't know what was happening or that it was a live show. Right from the beginning, I was uncomfortable with their concept and told them it wouldn't be a success. I changed it to some extent but still wasn't convinced."
We hear that's when the Moranis landed at his doorstep and ensured that he got to the venue, willingly or otherwise. Govinda gets angry and says, "I'm not 'Munnibai' that someone can come to my house and pick me up. I will slap anyone who tries that! I decided to do the show after my secretary convinced me. We made a commitment and he said I should stick to it, so I decided to be professional."
So what was it about the concept that had Govinda so upset? He says, "I'm consciously trying to do more comedy films and stay away from melodramatic tearjerkers. The show came in the latter category.
I've decided I want Coolie No 1, not Rang De Basanti. That's too classy for me. Ibrahim Nadiadwala's son and granddaughter had organised the show and they are family to me. I didn't want to spoil relationships for one nonsensical show, so I did it."
Other performers in the show included Dia Mirza, Riteish Deshmukh and Geeta Basra.
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