When Shakti Kapoor talked about Govinda's changed behaviour over time: 'Insecurity aadmi ko kaha se kaha pahucha deti hai'

Bollywood star Shakti Kapoor, renowned for his iconic roles as both a villain and a comedian, has left a lasting impact on Hindi cinema. He collaborated with Kader Khan in over 100 films and with Govinda in nearly 50. Despite his success, his career has also been marred by controversies.
Shakti Kapoor once opened up about his experiences with Govinda, addressing issues like insecurity, frequent delays on set, and noticeable changes in Govinda’s behavior over time. The veteran actor shared his candid thoughts on their professional journey and the shifts he observed in his longtime co-star.
Govinda’s Professional Evolution
In a 2019 interview with Bollywood Bubble, Shakti Kapoor reflected on the changes in Govinda's work habits over the years. He noted a significant shift in the actor’s punctuality, mentioning that while Govinda once arrived hours late for shoots, he now reaches before schedule. Kapoor also remarked on how insecurity can impact a person’s journey, emphasizing that Govinda is now highly professional, a fact well acknowledged by the industry.

Discussing his comeback, Shakti Kapoor dismissed the notion that it was too late for Govinda to return to the industry. He cited examples like Amrish Puri, who started his career at 44, emphasizing that it's never too late for an actor.
Govinda’s Connection with the Chopra Family
Meanwhile, Govinda recently revealed that he was once offered a role in Mahabharat but declined it based on his mother's advice. During an appearance on The Mukesh Khanna Show, the Coolie No. 1 actor shared that he was approached for BR Chopra’s legendary series. He also recalled his close ties with the Chopra family, mentioning how he frequently visited their home and even assisted Ravi Chopra’s wife, Renu Chopra, with household chores.

Recalling a memory from the late '80s, Govinda shared how he often visited the Chopra household, helping out whenever needed. Renu Chopra, Ravi Chopra’s wife, would call him over, and he would assist her with household tasks. However, BR Chopra was unaware of this bond.
Why Govinda Rejected Mahabharat
Govinda revealed that he was offered the role of Abhimanyu in Mahabharat but declined it based on his mother's advice. When he informed BR Chopra of his decision, the producer was taken aback. Govinda explained that his mother, Sadhvi, had guided his choices, and for him, the film industry was secondary to her wishes. At that time, he didn’t fully grasp BR Chopra’s stature in the industry, as his mindset was different.