Govinda is set to return to the silver screen after a seven-year gap with his upcoming film Roopa, the veteran actor announced on Monday. Speaking at a press conference, the 62-year-old revealed that he will share screen space with newcomer Rani Swarnkar in the project, which he is also producing.
The film marks Govinda's first theatrical release since 2019. Addressing the media, the actor reflected on the many ups and downs of his career, saying he had repeatedly been counted out before making comebacks. He also expressed confidence that Roopa would resonate with younger moviegoers.
According to The Times of India, Govinda spoke about rebuilding his career after setbacks. He said, “Maybe it was destiny that I was written off many times. People said that now he will not appear in films. I start again. And I pray to God that what I have thought and what people cannot think, this film works its magic. This film is especially for youngsters. When they will see this in the theatre, such a dream will come true. And this is possible. I will not discuss any spirituality in this”.
The actor also shared his long-standing belief in numerology and explained why the number 14 has remained significant throughout his life.
He said, “14 is my good luck number. I believe in numerology. My name is also as per numerology. I believed in it at a very young age. I was 14 years old. I was blessed by God. I signed 14 films in a week. Then I saw super-stardom for 14 years. Then I became a member of parliament in the 14th Lok Sabha. I struggled for 14 years. And then I came back to films. This is the first time that I could not wait for more than 5 years. I said, ‘I will start again’. And now I hope that the journey has started from here”.
Govinda recently made an appearance on the reality show Lock Upp, where his wife, Ssunita Ahuja, is among the contestants. During the episode, the actor joked about the reported strain in their relationship and also referred to the incident in which he had allegedly accidentally shot himself in the knee.
Speaking about the reality show, Govinda said, “Yeh voh 'Lock Upp' hai jo dikhayi deta hai, jo nahi dikhaye dete voh kayi lock-ups hai, main vahan se aa raha hoon” (This is the Lock Upp that everyone can see, but there are many other lock-ups that no one sees. I've come from those.)
Farah then jokingly asked, “Tune aisi supari kyun di thi ki isko maaro goli?” (Why did you put out a contract to have him shot?) Govinda replied, “Arre, main leke aaya hoon jeb mein goli. Main bola seene mein maarna chah rahi thi, maar le ab.” (Hey, I've even brought a bullet in my pocket. You said you wanted to shoot me in the chest, so go ahead and do it now.)
During the 1990s, Govinda emerged as one of Bollywood's most successful entertainers, earning widespread popularity for his comic timing, energetic dance performances and roles spanning comedy, romance and family dramas. His filmography includes popular titles such as Hero No. 1, Coolie No. 1, Raja Babu, Saajan Chale Sasural, Dulhe Raja, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Partner and Deewana Mastana.
Govinda's most recent theatrical appearance came in the 2019 film Rangeela Raja, where he played a double role. The film, however, failed to leave a mark at the box office.
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