Govinda fighting a lone battle

Govinda has been out of the cinematic spotlight for a long time, but his political career has been dogged by one controversy after another.

The most recent one being that his government-provided security has been reduced. Here, the actor-politician bares his turmoil and his determination to fight against all odds.

Has your political career hampered your film career?
Not really. It was just a coincidence that when I plunged into politics, film offers had dried up. Yes, there was a big lull in my career. I had no work for three-and-a-half years.

Lets talk about your passage into politics.
(Shrugs) Some senior people in India chose me to fight against Ram Naik. I complied simply because I wanted to join reliable families in this country. Since I was raw, I was told that the seniors would teach me the important things in my new profession. In their own way, one or two of them did by helping me when my family met with an accident and not getting excited about rumours they heard about me. But otherwise, I found that I was fighting a lone battle.

Even your security has been reduced...
Yes. But what to do? Today, my security is uparwallah (God). I have been born and raised in Virar. I am not scared. If I was darpok, I wouldn't have fought Ram Naik or become an actor.

At one point, Sonia Gandhi was close to you. Why don't you talk to her now?
I did talk to her. But I don't know what she's been told by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra or our Police Commissioner. I hear they told her that Govinda does not need much security. It's an old story. Whenever an actor turns politician, there's always confusion over his security.

What happened when you spoke to Sonia?
Actually, I even wrote to her. But kuch nahin hua, not even a meeting so far.

Ever thought about quitting?
I don't know whether I will quit politics. If and when I do take a decision of that sort, it will be solely my own and it will be wise. Few things need to be sorted out.

You are coming to films…
Yes, I am. But I cannot demand my earlier price. Today, I am a struggling actor.

You have three films with Salman Khan, but none with Sanjay Dutt, with whom you were a hit.
Those were the days. We gave three successful films in a row: Jodi No 1, Haseena Maan Jayegi and Ek Aur Ek Gyaarah. But today, Sanju has gone into a different genre while I am doing roles that cater to the masses, like Salaam-E-Ishq, Bhagam Bhag and Partner. I would love to do another film with Sanju. I pray for him everyday. He is under a lot of stress. He has tasted success, but I don't think he has enjoyed it. I am very thankful to Salman and David Dhawan (pauses).

For your comeback?
Yes. Everybody knew that politics is my second profession and that I hadn't gone away, but film offers completely dried up. Someone had to put up his hand and say 'I want to work with Govinda'. Salman and David were the only ones who came forward. Frankly, David's help did not surprise me; we go back a long way. But Salman's consideration did.

Salman gifted you a Mercedes…
I drive the Mercedes he gifted me to most of my shootings and social get-togethers. My entire family has had a special relationship with one or the other Khan. My dad became a hero due to a Khan, my mom became a classic vocalist due to a Khan, my teacher was Saroj Khan.

There's a rumour that you recently landed up at Rani Mukerji's building and created a scene?
Oh God! Why would I do that? I haven't seen Rani for three years. In fact, I haven't met any of my past heroines for a very long time. I don't know how they look today, be it Raveena or Karisma.

Your first production Sukh bombed at the box office. Will you produce another film?
I don't know if I'll produce another film, but if I do, then I will put only fifty per cent of my money in it, unlike the last time. I lost a lot of money in Sukh. I almost sold my bungalow after that. I want to… (pauses)… become a millionaire. I want to put everything behind me. I have seen a terrible lull in my career. For three-and-half years when I was out of work, nobody called to wish me on any day, be it Holi, Diwali or even my birthday