Ranveer Singh Is Like Chicken Manchurian - Shobhaa De

Ranveer Aala Re, Aala...

I have been a die-hard Govinda fan for years. Can't say the same about Ranveer. That they are both naturals goes without saying. But in my mind, Govinda is more like ghar ka khaana - comfort food. Ranveer is Chicken Manchurian. Both men have a brilliant sense of comic timing. Both are highly intelligent. But being products of an entirely different era in Bollywood, it's unlikely their career paths will run parallel.

Govinda liked to be referred to as the Virar ka Chhokra. This deliberate positioning was no fluke. Virar is an outpost of Mumbai. The 'real' Mumbai doesn't recognise the existence of a suburb called Virar. Nobody boasts of being from Virar. When Govinda was the big hero with several commercial blockbusters under his broad rexine belt, his rivals were Bandra Boys - the Pali Hill, Juhu-Khar lot with well-connected patrons in the film industry. They fancied themselves (still do!) as being upmarket and posh.

Then there was Govinda - Chi Chi to friends. A podgy, unlikely hero, with a disarming smile. Unapologetically middle class and minus starry airs (those came later), Govinda was hailed as the aam janta's hero - a basic, daal-chaawal type of guy. Nobody could explain his success. Suddenly Govinda was everywhere! He had delivered! He was a bona fide star! His style of dancing was the rage, and the same snooty heroines who had refused roles with him earlier lined up eagerly to match steps with the latest box office wonder. His dialogue delivery was referred to in reverential terms, and supporters made the lyrics of his incredibly vulgar songs appear cool and catchy when they were seriously offensive and ludicrous.

I met Govinda when he had already become a bloated monster. His habitual lateness (10 hours was normal), lack of discipline, and delusions of grandeur had producers fuming by then. But so long as the hits rolled in, lips stayed sealed. I had warned the enthusiastic Stardust Annual team that even though I was the actor's fan, and happy to do a special shoot for the magazine, I wasn't willing to come to a studio or wait around at home for him to show up. As it turned out, the photo session and interview were fixed at my home, and a minion was assigned the job of tracking Govinda who was shooting in the suburbs. Two hours after the stipulated time, when there was no trace of the man, I told them I had had enough and to pack up.

Just then, there was a flurry of excitement - Govinda was in the building! He walked in wearing a cop's uniform and apologised for being in costume. He must have been feeling pretty sheepish about his lateness, for without wanting to waste more time, he started stripping right there in my living room as his wardrobe guy fluttered around with a fresh shirt. Minutes later, he was ready. And that's when the Govinda Moment took place. The editors had thoughtfully prepared a set of questions he was supposed to ask me ("Class versus Mass'' was the rather insulting peg). Govinda stared at the sheet of paper and promptly tore it up. He turned to me with a big grin and asked politely, "Shall we start?"

That's the essential Govinda - spontaneous, endearing and very nuts.

I don't know Ranveer at all. The only time I saw him was at a formal function where he was seated across the aisle. This was just after he had signed his first film but was not famous. His conduct was exaggerated, exhibitionistic, loud and attention-seeking. He was also ridiculously dressed. Who is this guy, people were wondering, watching his antics. It hardly mattered. Once his first big movie was released, nobody needed to ask that question. He had aggressively and very quickly established himself in Bollywood. And he wasn't going anywhere! Well, he's still around. And getting better with every role. His public conduct continues to be brash, but nobody cares so long as audiences love him.

A few months ago, he was invited to a rarefied Conclave in Delhi. He was in the company of some top-class professionals from various fields. Of course, there was a full house for him (he's a big star today), but not too many people in the audience were expecting anything more than light Bollywood banter from the young actor. Imagine then, their shock and awe when Ranveer came through with what was dubbed one of the most polished presentations of the Conclave! Beyond the swagger was substance. Beyond the sharp suit was a thinking, alert, energetic mind. In a flash - Ranveer had transformed himself from a rakish Bollywood caricature to a polished brand ambassador representing the future of Bollywood.

Is he the next Govinda? Not really. So much has changed about the movies from the time when Govinda was thrusting his hips and shaking his booty with Bollywood lovelies. Govinda was never given the chance to unleash the supremely sensitive actor in him. Ranveer should learn from this and save himself from falling into a similar trap. For that, he really needs to lose those idiotic monkey suits he wears on the red carpet - fast!

...👏 Not only her, i am sure most of us root for him to become a rage like Govinda in his hay-days but not a photocopy... well-written

For that, he really needs to lose those idiotic monkey suits he wears on the red carpet - fast!

Yup.

This stupid Natasha should be fired, Ranveer looks like a clown because of him.

Oh Shobha, you look like a total idiot but you make sense at times..well said.

What she's trying to say?:-D
clueless

Agree with whatever she said about Ranveer.

So this whole text was actually about that he should wear other suites or what? i didnt understand also the point 😕 seriously 😆 That woman has nothingelse to do. Even when Ranveer would give the biggest BO record or best performance in his life its only one day news worthy. Media all over the world are always interested in the person and Ranveer gives them the full package 😆 Hot sucessfull girlfriend, breaking rules, talking and wearing like nobodys business, open like a book.

This!!!!

She just said what his fans are saying for quite some time , nonetheless a good article.