Mumbai:Govinda, one of the most beloved and iconic stars of Bollywood in the 1990s, was known for his impeccable comic timing and dance moves in numerous hit films. However, what also became part of his identity in the industry was his late arrival on film sets. Reports suggest that at the height of his popularity, Govinda was shooting for multiple films simultaneously, sometimes juggling as many as 10 projects a day, which often led to long waiting hours for fans and film crew alike.
Despite his notorious late arrivals, Govinda’s massive popularity made it a point that the crew, producers, and fans would patiently wait for him to arrive. However, over the years, things have changed significantly, as Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor recently discussed in an interview.
Shakti Kapoor, speaking to Indian media, shared his thoughts on how Govinda has transformed over time. “The biggest change I’ve seen in Govinda is his punctuality. He used to be famous for showing up late, especially for a 9 AM shift, when he would arrive at 9 PM! But now, he reaches the set by 8:30 in the morning for the same shift,” said Shakti Kapoor.
He further explained, “Insecurity can drive a person to change in unimaginable ways. Now, Govinda is a professional through and through, and the entire industry respects him. People often say his time for success has passed, but I disagree. There are countless examples of people who found success late in life, like Amrish Puri, who started his career at 44. It’s never too late for any actor or artist.”
Shakti Kapoor also reminisced about a particular incident from the past that highlighted Govinda’s unique charm. “Govinda’s dancing, acting, and comedy made him an adored star among both fans and filmmakers. Once, when we were shooting in Hyderabad, Aamir Khan secretly came to the set just to watch Govinda perform. I noticed him and asked, ‘Sir, what are you doing here? Someone should have brought you a chair and tea!’ Aamir Khan replied that he was a huge fan of Govinda and came to see how he could deliver such long shots in one take.”
Govinda’s journey from a latecomer to a disciplined professional is a testament to his growth as an actor and a person. Despite the changing dynamics of his career, his legacy in Bollywood, especially for his contributions to comedy, dance, and drama, continues to remain strong.
