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Switching channels
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Driving
from Filmistan Studios in Goregaon (where he was shooting
with Raveena Tandon for a forthcoming film) to Empire Studios
in Andheri (where he must complete his dubbing for Jodi No
1), Govinda takes time off to discuss his work. Taking large
sips of water from a bottle, gargling, then spitting it out
from his car window, the actor invites strange stares from
the crowds outside. Subsequently, almost a dozen beggars surround
his car, gawk at him openly and ask for some cash. Ignoring
them completely, Govinda chews on tulsi leaves and ponders
over the next question.
Chatting with Chi Chi...
Your film producers were concerned that your television
career might have a disastrous impact on your film career.
How have they reacted since Chappad Phaar Ke went on air?
I've got mostly good reactions. My producers don't seem
to have lost faith in me. In fact, I really think that my
forthcoming films are now hot property in the market because
of the popularity of the TV show.
And
how has the audience reacted?
People I've met say they like the show. I'm happy because
everyone says the Chappad Phaar Ke is unique, and that it
is not similar to Kaun Banega Crorepati. The channel was a
little worried that there would be comparisons, but since
that's not happening, everybody is smiling.
Is
television more hard work than film?
It is. But I enjoy it. It took me about 22 days to get
used to the medium and to get comfortable with the format
of the show.
Surely
you've had to cut down on your film assignments because of
the television commitment...
Yes, yes. Now I can't do as many films as I earlier was.
I'm expected to give ten days every month to the show. We
shoot two episodes every day. But perhaps it's a good thing
that I'm doing fewer films. This allows me a lot more time
to read. I've found a new friend in books.
What
have you been reading?
Oh, just about anything... I wouldn't like to discuss
it though.
Which
of your films do you like the most?
I think all of them are just about okay. Since most of
them have made people laugh, they must be good films.
Since
you brought it up, your films have been mostly of the comic
variety. You haven't done many dramatic or action roles, have
you?
I don't like to make people cry. Life is depressing anyway,
why add to it?
Do
you cry easily?
No, I hardly cry. After my mother's death, I've become
very tough. I rarely express my sorrow. I prefer to keep it
inside myself.
In
your latest film, Jodi No 1, you go back to comedy. Where
do you get that spontaneous humour from?
I think there's a funny guy inside me somewhere. I just
call him out when I'm expected to do comedy on the sets.
What
do your kids think of the work you do?
They watch Chappad Phaar Ke regularly and they seem to
enjoy it very much. They also like my comedy films. However,
they're too young to give me suggestions, but I think they're
very proud of me.
You've
been acting for more than ten years now. Where do you go from
here? Who knows?
I was acting, now I'm also anchoring a show on television.
The options are innumerable. I just take every day at a time.
When it's time to do something new, I'm sure I'll have enough
to choose from.
Do
you ever get tired of seeing yourself on screen?
Sometimes I do. I just hope the audience doesn't.
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