Govinda reveals James Cameron offered him Rs 18 crore for Avatar: ‘I have given the film’s title’

Actor Govinda, who has been making headlines due to divorce rumors with his wife Sunita, recently sat down for an unfiltered conversation with Mukesh Khanna. In the interview for the veteran actor’s YouTube channel, Govinda claimed that James Cameron offered him the lead role in Avatar for a staggering Rs 18 crore. The actor further revealed that he even suggested the film’s title to Cameron.

Govinda said, “I have left an offer of Rs 21.5 crore, and I remember this because it was very painful leaving it. I had met a Sardarji in America and gave him a business idea that worked; some years later, he made me meet James Cameron. He asked me to do a film with James, so I invited them for dinner to discuss it. I have given the film’s title – Avatar. James told me the hero in the film was handicapped, so I said I am not doing the film. He offered me Rs 18 crore for it and said I would be required to shoot for 410 days. I said that is okay, but if I paint my body, I will be in the hospital.”

Also Read: Govinda says Bollywood conspired against him, regrets turning down Rs 100 crore film: ‘I would slap myself’

Story continues below this ad

He added, “Our body is the only instrument we have. At times, some things appear very appealing professionally, but you also have to see their effects on your body. Sometimes, you have to keep apologizing to people for years for saying no to a film; even if they are close, they have very strong egos.”

Also Read | Amid divorce rumors, Sunita Ahuja kisses Govinda in viral video, fans point at their children Tina and Yashvardhan’s reaction. Watch

On the work front, Govinda is set to return to the big screen after six years. The actor had shared on Kapil Sharma’s show The Great Indian Kapil Show that he has three films releasing this year.