I was written off: Govinda announces Roopa, his first film in seven years

Bollywood actor Govinda on Monday announced his return to the big screen with his new film, Roopa. At a press conference, the 62-year-old said he will star opposite newcomer Rani Swarnkar in the project. Along with playing the lead, Govinda is also producing the film.

The announcement marks Govinda’s return to cinemas after seven years. Speaking at the event, the actor looked back at the highs and lows of his career and said he had often been written off. He also said he hoped the new film would connect with young audiences.

According to The Times of India, Govinda spoke about facing setbacks in his career and beginning again. He said, “Maybe it was destiny that I was written off many times. People said that now he will not appear in films. I start again. And I pray to God that what I have thought and what people cannot think, this film works its magic. This film is especially for youngsters. When they will see this in the theatre, such a dream will come true. And this is possible. I will not discuss any spirituality in this”.

Govinda also spoke about the importance of the number 14 in his life and said he believed in numerology from a young age.

He said, “14 is my good luck number. I believe in numerology. My name is also as per numerology. I believed in it at a very young age. I was 14 years old. I was blessed by God. I signed 14 films in a week. Then I saw super-stardom for 14 years. Then I became a member of parliament in the 14th Lok Sabha. I struggled for 14 years. And then I came back to films. This is the first time that I could not wait for more than 5 years. I said, ‘I will start again’. And now I hope that the journey has started from here”.

Recent appearance on Lock Upp

Govinda recently appeared on the reality show Lock Upp, which featured his wife Ssunita Ahuja as one of the contestants. During his interaction on the show, he jokingly referred to the tension between him and his wife and also brought up the bullet incident, when he had allegedly accidentally shot himself in the knee.

Speaking about the show, Govinda said, “Yeh voh 'Lock Upp' hai jo dikhayi deta hai, jo nahi dikhaye dete voh kayi lock-ups hai, main vahan se aa raha hoon” (This is the Lock Upp that everyone can see, but there are many other lock-ups that no one sees. I've come from those.)

Farah then jokingly asked, “Tune aisi supari kyun di thi ki isko maaro goli?” (Why did you put out a contract to have him shot?) Govinda replied, “Arre, main leke aaya hoon jeb mein goli. Main bola seene mein maarna chah rahi thi, maar le ab.” (Hey, I've even brought a bullet in my pocket. You said you wanted to shoot me in the chest, so go ahead and do it now.)

Career so far

During the 1990s, Govinda established himself as one of Bollywood’s biggest entertainers. He was known for his comic timing, dancing and performances across comedy, romance and family dramas. He is best remembered for films such as Hero No. 1, Coolie No. 1, Raja Babu, Saajan Chale Sasural, Dulhe Raja, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Partner and Deewana Mastana.

He was last seen on the big screen in the 2019 film Rangeela Raja, in which he played a double role. The film did not make an impact at the box office.