The legendary comedian of the 90s, Govinda, famous for blockbusters like Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, and Raja Babu, was often surrounded by stories of his delayed arrivals on film sets. While many perceived this as unprofessionalism, the actor has a different explanation rooted in the methods of a cinema icon.
Madhuri Dixit's Take on Punctuality in Bollywood
The topic recently resurfaced when veteran actress Madhuri Dixit was asked in an interview with Mid-Day about her experiences working with co-stars known for being late. While not naming anyone directly, her response addressed the long-standing perception about Govinda.
"Thank God I worked with people who were always on time. They were Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. With me, it never happened," Madhuri stated, expressing gratitude for her professional collaborations.
Govinda's Clarification: A Tribute to Dilip Kumar's Process
In a past candid conversation with actor Mukesh Khanna, Govinda provided a detailed explanation for his working style. He revealed that his approach was deeply inspired by the legendary Dilip Kumar. For Govinda, punctuality was less about clocking in at a fixed hour and more about achieving the right mental and creative readiness.
"I never used to arrive on time on set. I was a follower of Dilip Kumar sahab," Govinda explained. "I didn't believe in being late and all. I used to first set my rhythms right. Jab tak mere sur taal nahi set ho jaaye, main set pe nahi pahuchta tha (I wouldn't arrive on the set until my rhythm and notes were set)."
How Dilip Kumar Saved Govinda From Career Burnout
Govinda also shared a crucial anecdote about how Dilip Kumar's guidance helped him navigate the peak of his chaotic stardom. At the height of his fame, Govinda was juggling an overwhelming number of projects.
"I would have 40–49 films on the floor. I would travel from one set to another," he recalled. He credited Dilip Kumar with intervening and potentially saving his career. "Main anpadh aadmi in film logon ke haath mein lag gaya, agar Dilip Kumar sahab nahi milte mujhe toh ye log mar dete mujhe (An uneducated man like me fell into the hands of these film people; if Dilip Kumar sahab hadn't met me, they would have finished me). He made me refuse around 25 films."
When Govinda worried about returning the signing amounts, Dilip Kumar offered support, saying, "'I will lend it to you, but quit these films.'" This pivotal advice allowed Govinda to regain control over his professional commitments and personal well-being.
What's Next for Madhuri Dixit?
On the work front, Madhuri Dixit is making a much-anticipated return to the small screen. She will star in the upcoming psychological thriller series Mrs Deshpande. The show is scheduled to begin streaming on JioHotstar from December 19.
