Govinda has opened up about a conversation he once had with Salman Khan before they began shooting for their 2007 film ‘Partner.’ Looking back, the actor recalled a difficult phase in Salman’s life and
the advice he gave him at the time. According to Govinda, Salman was going through a lot emotionally and had become quite withdrawn. He felt Salman needed to step away from his troubles and focus on himself, so he encouraged him to come out of that phase and start exercising.
Govinda Recalls What He Told Salman Khan During His Painful Phase
In a conversation with ANI, Govinda recalled that Salman Khan was going through a painful phase at the time. “Salman was going through a lot of pain and distress. And when someone is troubled by himself, whether it is because of love, hopes, or expectations, there is no one else who can really cure that. So, he had become very withdrawn. I thought I should introduce him to Satya, so we sat together and had a drink. While we were drinking, I told him, “Salman, you’ve looked outward enough. Now look within yourself,” he said.
Govinda Told Salman Khan ‘You Don’t Look Like A Hero’
“At that time, I weighed 114 kilos. It was the time when I had just come out of politics. I told him, “By the time I lose weight, I’ll already be a character actor, right? I’ll continue doing the kind of roles I was doing in Partner, I was doing comedy.” I told him, “You are the hero, but you don’t look like one right now. You look unhappy, you look sad. Come out of this,” he further recalled.
Govinda recalled that Salman asked him what he should do. Govinda urged him to start exercising for two to three hours a day. He also compared Salman’s screen presence with Dharmendra’s and told him he had the looks, personality and star quality to command the same kind of aura.
“I said, “Exercise for two or three hours a day. Look at Dharmendra. You are the only hero, after Dharmendra, who has been blessed by God with parents, siblings, a good face and a great personality. You are the only guy who could carry that kind of aura, the kind that makes people look at you and say, ‘That’s a hero,’” said Govinda.
Govinda said Salman followed his advice and went on to enjoy a successful run in the film industry. He recalled telling Salman that he would rule Bollywood for 10 years, adding that his prediction eventually came true.
About Partner
Salman Khan and Govinda’s camaraderie was loved by fans when they starred together in the 2007 film, Partner. The film was directed by David Dhawan, a frequent collaborator of Govinda. It also starred Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif.
