Govinda speak

Framed photographs of Govinda in his forthcoming movie Sukh line a room of white marble and gilt mirrors. But when the actor finally makes a...

Framed photographs of Govinda in his forthcoming movie Sukh line a room of white marble and gilt mirrors. But when the actor finally makes an appearance, it8217;s a bit of a shock.

There are no yellow trousers, purple jacket or the flashy attire he wore in Raja Bhaiya or Hero Number 1. Garbed in tight black jeans and a white shirt, the stocky film star looks distinctly ordinary. He has dark rings under his eyes.

8216;8216;I have not given you an appointment, so I cannot talk to you,8217;8217; is his opening line. 8216;8216;Please speak to my PR manager for an appointment.8217;8217; It8217;s difficult not to smile; The Indian Express has been trying for an appointment for five days.

He may look ordinary, but for five-time MP and BJP giant Ram Naik, Govinda8217;s mass appeal is a matter of concern.

Today, Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde announced the actor8217;s latest role 8212; that of Congress candidate for the Mumbai North parliamentary constituency.

Naik may be more accessible 8212; it took just four minutes to speak to him, compared to Govinda8217;s five days 8212; and he has nurtured Mumbai North. But Govinda8217;s jump into the election fray will give the BJP a run for its money. This big fight is expected to be one of the most closely-watched tussles in Maharashtra.

The long-awaited interview is about to start, but his 8216;strategists8217; intervene. 8216;8216;Saab, baal theek karo Sir, comb your hair.8217;8217; An image consultant will monitor Govinda8217;s clothes and general appearance in the campaign. He is very particular about his hair. A bad hair day is a nightmare.

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Govinda8217;s opening line is well rehearsed. 8216;8216;I moved in trains and buses so I know the problems of the people,8217;8217; says the star of 125 movies in chaste English. 8216;8216;My life has been a struggle, nothing came easy.8217;8217;

8216;8216;There are big problems and small problems and I am here to provide the solutions. Every day of my campaign will be a day for finding solutions,8217;8217; he promises.

8216;8216;People have seen me in so many films in different clothes. So they expect me to look like my screen image8212;the poor boy who makes it rich. How can I disappoint them?

8216;8216;I am like them, a common man with basic wants. Every man in the constituency will be able to identify with me,8217;8217; asserts Govinda, twirling three good luck rings on his stubby fingers.

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8216;8216;At 13, I set out to do something to reduce the problems of my biological mother. Now at 40, I have pledged to do the same for my foster mother Soniaji,8217;8217; he says.

Govinda does not have much to say about politics and politicians and he8217;s reluctant to reveal details about his strategy. 8216;8216;Like a traffic policeman, I will implement good with one hand and stop all the bad happenings with the other,8217;8217; he concludes.

The interview is about to end. As he gets up someone working on a laptop asks the room 8212;8216;8216;What8217;s the spelling of strategy?8217;8217;