Filmmaker on his kids’ B’wood plans, another collaboration with the actor, why he is more low-key than his peers and his next, an ode to The Godfather
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 24, 2018)

While Mahesh Manjrekar has featured in several Salman Khan-starrers, including Ready, Jai Ho, Bodyguard and the two Dabangg films, his long-time friendship with the 52-year-old actor transcends the screen. The filmmaker has been among the first responders every time Salman hit a low, while the actor took his son, Satya Manjrekar, under his wings early on. Now, he is working on launching Mahesh’s daughter, Ashwami.

The National Award-winning filmmaker confirms the news, saying, “Yes, Salman is launching my daughter. It will happen in some time. We’ll cross the bridge when we get to it.” He describes his friend as the “most warm-hearted person in the industry,” adding, “We have always bonded well. Salman is the most rooted person I have come across, a complete middle-class man in his head. He knows that I am not in awe of him, and that makes our bond special.”

The duo was to reunite for the Hindi remake of Mahesh’s 2010 Marathi directorial, Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho, with him as the director, and Salman as producer. But Mahesh reveals that the project is on hold for now. “For the lead, Salman wanted Govinda, who had apprehensions about the role, so things didn’t work out,” he reveals, addressing the film’s similarity to the Irrfan Khan-starrer Hindi Medium. “Our remake was planned much before Hindi Medium released. We will make it in the future as this subject is close to my heart. I honestly think our education system sucks,” he asserts.

Mahesh is gearing up for the release of his next, Bhai: Vyakti Ki Valli, the biopic of renowned Marathi writer-humourist P L Deshpande, structured as a two-film franchise with both films releasing 45 days apart. He acknowledges the risks of splitting a film in two but explains that when they started shooting, they realised it is not possible to capture Deshpande’s life in two hours, hence the decision to make it in two parts. “I don’t really think about numbers while making a film. The films will release in succession as I don’t want my audience to forget the world of this man. I have faith in their love for P L Deshpande and confident that they would like the film,” he maintains, adding that Deshpande is known for his wit, so obviously his film has a lot of humour. “But its real USP is that the protagonist is not a larger-than-life person,” he points out, adding that he hopes film writers won’t make a mess of the biopic genre. “We are 20 years behind Hollywood and slowly getting out of the hero-heroine-villain-vamp templates. We have realised that there are many good stories to be told.”

He may have delivered some acclaimed titles as a director in Bollywood, but he remains a low-key name. Mahesh attributes it to a lack of a good PR. “I prefer my films to do the talking and I am proud of my work,” he states, acknowledging that the industry thrives on box office numbers. “I don’t have the figures to make headlines. I am happy to direct the films I love, and I would want to be remembered for my films and not the numbers.”

Mahesh, whose 2000 Tabu-starrer Astitva won a National Award for Best Feature Film, believes that his Marathi directorial Natsamrat, featuring Nana Patekar, and Kakshparsh, with Sachin Khedekar, also deserved the prestigious prize. “But the jury don’t seem to like me. If not the film, Nana definitely deserved to win,” he avers.

True to his low-key form, Mahesh informs that he recently wrapped up his next Hindi film, which is on the lines of The Godfather. “It was a dream to direct this film since early 2000s. I finally got it out of my system. It is a big film with prominent stars and it is an ode to Godfather,” he says, refusing to divulge more. 

Govinda is upset with the makers for not standing up for him; adds that he couldn't launch his daughter while he was struggling himself
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 10, 2015)

Dressed casually, Govinda strolls into his Juhu office and immediately jumps into the heart of a recent controversy. Buzz is, he has been abruptly dropped from Jagga Jasoos and Anurag Basu has approached Amitabh Bachchan to replace him in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer.

Prod him on the subject and the actor points out that it's only a friendly guest appearance with barely three or four scenes. "I've finished my work but I won't be a part of the promotions. I'm upset with the makers for not clarifying things on my behalf. I can understand them not wanting to get dragged into a silly controversy but not reacting was not a solution. Nobody is allowed to make money by defaming me. I may forgive but I'll never forget," he asserts with quiet menace.

Still seething, he reveals that Karan Johar had offered him a film two years ago. But he turned it down after he learnt that the maker had made enquiries about whether he came to the sets on time. "I have worked with producers like Saif Ali Khan and Salman Khan and there have never been any complaints about my late-comings," he argues. "In fact, Salman keeps asking me why I haven't been signing films. I tell him that I only want to do films I'm comfortable with."

But Govinda recently refused Salman's remake of the superhit Marathi movie Shikshanacha Aaichya Gho. "I didn't like the subject. Period," he says shortly. And did he enjoy Happy Ending and Kill Dil which were supposed to resurrect his career last year but tanked at the box-office? "I got my share of appreciation so I have no problems with the films. It was a pleasure working with the production houses. There were no rumours... no fake news," he quips with a smile.

And when will he reunite with his favourite director, David Dhawan, with whom he's given a string of hits in the past? "After working together in 17 films, we haven't met once in the last five years. When two people don't meet for so long, how will they work together?" he asks, quickly adding that David's sons, Rohit and Varun, are like family and he has no problem working with the kids.

His fans will however get to see Karisma Kapoor and him together on the TV screen in the finale of Dance India Dance Super Moms. The duo is still remembered for hit songs like Main toh raste se ja raha tha and Sarkailo khatiya. Govinda promises that their performance will remind one of their glory days, 15 years ago. "I've done around 15 films with Lolo, we were a lucky jodi. It's great that she has begun to work again," he beams.

Judging the reality show has given Govinda a new perspective on acting and women. "It showcased women who had quit their jobs after marriage and motherhood, and proved that they're not done yet. I feel blessed by all these super moms," he asserts.

Meanwhile, daughter, Tina Ahuja, will be making her Bollywood debut in Second Hand Husband. Her dad is elated and proud that she will make her beginning without help from him. "She's hardworking and confident, I pray she succeeds," he says.

Didn't he want to launch her himself? "After Partner and Bhagam Bhaag, I didn't work for five years. It was a difficult time and making a film was impossible. I couldn't give her a break when I was struggling myself. But after Happy Ending and Kill Dil, I signed nine films and will roll with two home productions in September," he signs off.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; October 11, 2014)

A hero of the masses, an entire generation has grown up on Govinda’s brand of loud, slapstick comedy. And each time he was written off, he returned, after reinventing himself. Three decades on, in what is possibly his fourth innings, he is all set to laugh his way back into your hearts with Kill Dil, as an anti-hero. Last seen in Holiday in a special appearance, the actor has shed all the excess weight and now looks young, happy and relaxed. He can still charm the pants off you just with his million-watt smile. Alternately, speaking in Hindi and English, once you tell him you are a Maharashtrian, the actor dazzles you with his assal Marathi. Ask him how he speaks the language so well and pat comes the reply, “Mi Marathi medium madhe shikloy!” (I studied in Marathi medium school). That’s just one of the many surprises Govinda springs on me as we settle for a candid chat.

You haven’t been seen in films for a long time. What kept you away?
I wasn’t away. The fact is, I did not get any offers. For four years, I was sitting at home doing nothing. Wahaan, I left politics, yahaan film line ne mujhe chhod diya! Nobody approached me. When my fans would meet me at airports or elsewhere, they would ask me why am I doing some Sandhi Sudha soap ad? I said since I am not seen anywhere, I had to do something.

Surely, you must’ve got some offers. You probably didn’t want to play elderly roles...
(Cuts in) Trust me I did not get a single offer, not even to play a father!

When did things change for you?
Shaad Ali called me and offered this villainous role in Kill Dil. I was determined to work, but since the role was negative, I asked my wife Sunita if I should go ahead and she approved. I said yes to that film and after that, I signed nine films including Holiday and Happy Ending, in which I have a cameo. When I got enough money, I decided to produce and star in Abhinay Chakra.

What is Abhinay Chakra about?
(Laughs) Let’s just say it’s a masala film.

You’re best known for your comedies. What was it like playing a grey character?
Initially, I was a little apprehensive because I was doing something I did not feel good about. In fact, I told Adi (Aditya Chopra) that if I cannot do it, I will return the signing amount!

But you’ve done controversial roles in the past...
Yes. But those days were different. My confidence level was high and I just did it (smiles).

There were reports of you refusing to play Alia Bhatt’s father in Shaandaar. Is that true?
That was just a way of trying to put pressure on me through the media, so I am pushed into doing it. Yes, I was approached for the role in Shaandar, but when I asked for the script and narration, I didn’t get it. Finally, just 20 days before the shoot, the director (Vikas Bahl) came to me with a cheque. I asked him to keep it with him because without knowing what my role is, I didn’t want to do it.

So, you have no qualms about playing a father on screen?
Why would I refuse to play Alia’s father when I am playing Ranbir’s (Kapoor) father (in Jagga Jasoos)? I am an actor and as long as the role is interesting I will do it. I remember around the time when Raavan was being made, my wife told me that I should be working with younger heroes like Abhishek Bachchan. It was I who went to Mani Ratnam and said I want to work in the film. My role was so small, I must have hardly been there for eight-nine minutes in the film, but it was interesting. It’s sad that people are spreading such stories because all this will affect my film Abhinay Chakra, in which I am playing a hero.

There have been reports about you being replaced by Jackie Shroff in Jagga Jasoos...
Like I said, some people are spreading such stories either to push me into doing a film or deter producers from approaching me! I am very much a part of the film.

Why do you think such stories are doing the rounds? Is it because of what happened in the past — your late-coming to the sets, troubling producers, etc?
If that was the case, it should have affected my business then. I have a lot of goodwill from my audience. I remember during the shooting of Bade Miyaan Chote Miyaan, I had told Amitabh Bachchan that I would be coming late on the sets. That was because my parents had passed away and I was going through a traumatic time. He understood and had said it’s alright if I am late.

Why did you turn down Salman Khan’s remake of the Marathi film Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho?
Frankly, I did not like the story. The father goes to the Chief Minister when everybody goes against him. But the fact is, he is the one who is at fault to begin with! (The film is about a strict disciplinarian father who canes his child into studying and ignores his passion for cricket.) I know the film was a big hit in Marathi but I do not agree with the concept. No doubt, I am hungry for work now, but it does not mean that I will do something that doesn’t touch my heart. Mahesh Manjrekar is a friend and when something good comes, I will work with him. As for Salman, he and I together are good for commercial masala films, not this kind of an ‘art’ film (laughs).

Are you happy that your daughter Narmmadaa is finally making her film debut with Gippy Grewal’s film?
Yes. Honestly, I don’t want to discuss her career because talking about it has proved detrimental to her. I feel sad that despite having a successful actor as a father she has had to struggle so much. At the same time, I am proud that whatever she has got and will achieve will be entirely on her own.

Who among the current crop of actors do you think is good?
Ranveer (Singh) and Ranbir both are good. But Ranveer meri tarah niklaa hai. He started out small and is becoming big. He has worked very hard in Ram Leela. I like Deepika Padukone too. Dono ne bada dhamaal romance kiya hai film mein. Even Priyanka and Parineeti (Chopra) are very good.

Who do you think can give you takkar in comedy?
Ranveer is good in the comedy scenes of Ram Leela, but if you ask me who can give me takkar, I will say nobody. These days actors do hardly one or two films at a time, unlike in my time where I used to shoot for 15-16 films simultaneously. I was totally new and had nobody like Subhash Ghai or Yash Chopra backing me. I created a niche and a comedy genre for myself. The only actor I think comes somewhere close is Ranbir. He is trying to create a niche for himself with a variety, but still he is also doing only a couple of films at a time. Hamare jaise mehnat koi nahin kar sakta!

These days, actors work in one or two films to be able to get into the skin of the character...
When I entered the industry, my aim was to do as many films as possible, earn money and make things comfortable for my family. Who had the time to even think of such things? I was this boy from a gaanv — my work, the way I worked reflected that. I gelled with the masses. Actually, I am glad I did so many films because that benefited me.

You were the hero of the masses, today Salman Khan has that connect...
Yes. I think Salman got that connect with the masses after doing Partner. But Salman has taken it to another level with his charity organisation Being Human. The masses genuinely love him.

What is the status with the sequel of Partner?
All I know is that after the film was over, Sohail Khan had given me the signing amount for the next because I hadn’t charged a penny for Partner. Salman and Sohail are like family to me.

When you go on the sets today, what difference do you see?
There’s a lot of difference. Detailed planning is done, which makes it convenient for the actors to shoot. And everybody is working hard. Technically we’re on par with the world. As for actors, they are like fashion models, body-builders working hard on their physique!

Are you saying a lot of importance is being given to physical appearance?
No, today an actor has to work for everything. He has to act very well, have a good body and be a good dancer.

Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; July 22, 2014)

Talented actor Govinda will play Ranbir Kapoor’s father in Anurag Basu’s film Jagga Jasoos. He will also be seen as Alia Bhatt’s father in Vikas Bahl’s next film, Shaandaar.

The character apparently has shades of comedy to it. The buzz is that filmmakers seem to be looking at the actor anew, but in the papa mode – they feel he can be a cool dad.

It is well known that Salman Khan is extremely keen that Govinda play the dad’s role in his production — a remake of Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi film Shikshanacha Aaichya Gho. On his part, the actor had his reservations as he felt that he couldn’t essay such a strict father’s role. The buzz is that he has demanded a change in the script.

Says an industry observer, “Govinda has finally decided to accept such roles. He is a father with grown-up kids in real-life, so he thinks he can play one on screen as well. He tried to be youthful with his 2011 film, Naughty @ 40, but it proved to be a dud. He is aware that he might be offered similar stuff, but he knows that now he cannot do what he did decades ago.”

Govinda says, “I can’t talk about the roles I have signed on, as the contracts do not allow me to do so.
But I can do all kinds of roles that I feel are not bad for my career. At the same time, I don’t know why everybody is so keen that I play a father’s role. I am not so insecure; I have had no release in the past four years.”

Interestingly, he is just 50 years old, while many actors like Anil Kapoor, who are older than him, have steered clear of getting into the B-Town father mould.

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 4, 2014)

Mirror (July 4) had revealed how despite Salman Khan and Mahesh Manjrekar's repeated requests, Govinda was having second thoughts about playing the aggressive father in the Hindi remake of Marathi film Shikshanacha Aaichya Gho because he doesn't act in "art films". Now, Mirror has learnt that Manjrekar is planning to take the role to Anil Kapoor.

A source close to the film said: "Mahesh wants to roll with the film early next year as Salman has allotted him 15 days from his busy calendar. He can't keep waiting for Govinda. And if Anil does not give his nod either, he might approach Arjun Rampal."

Shikshanacha Aichya Gho is a story of a Shrinivas Rane, an average student whose father (this is the role offered to Govinda) wants him to be the brightest student in the world. At a point in the story, the father in a fit of anger, he even slaps the boy.

When contacted Manjrekar laughed it off, saying, "Right now I'm in Chennai and busy with other commitments and don't have time to comment on speculations."

MUMBAI MIRROR (July 4, 2014)