Govinda impresses Salaam-E-Ishq team

By Bollywood Hungama -

January 18, 2006 - 12:00 AM IST

Govinda has turned a new leaf. Known for his late-coming habits and erratic schedules, the actor turned politician, who is back to studios, has decided to take his film career very, very seriously this time. I am having a blast shooting with Govinda, Nikhil Advani, who is filming a major chunk of SALAAM-E-ISHQ with Govinda in Rishikesh currently, called to say, I had heard horrible stories of his unprofessional attitude, but its far from truth. Call him on the sets at 7.30 a.m. and hes right there on the dot, despite the biting cold temperatures. He is one of the most disciplined actors Ive encountered in my career.

Nikhil cites an incident to illustrate his point. The director of KAL HO NAA HO reveals that Govinda left Rishikesh at 1 p.m. on Sunday [January 15] to attend the Stardust Awards in Mumbai, attended the event in the night, rushed to the airport to catch the next available flight to Delhi and reached Rishikesh the next morning, even before the unit had reached the location. I couldnt believe my eyes when I was told that he had already returned. Frankly, I thought wed have a forced holiday. But he proved us wrong, Nikhil sounds ecstatic.

Govinda too sounds serious this time. I am not taking chances. I dont want people to complain, the talented actor tells me, I wish to add that I am enjoying working in SALAAM-E-ISHQ and with Nikhil in particular. He brings out the best in his actors, he adds. In fact, the actor goes to the extent of saying that its after a long time [after SWARG, to be precise] that hes enjoyed working in a film.

The latest on this multi-starrer is that Nikhil has shot with Salman-Priyanka [4 days], followed by Anil-Juhi [20 days] and is canning the Govinda-Shanon Esra track at various panoramic locales of North India. Next on the cards are schedules with Akshaye-Ayesha, John-Vidya and Sohail-Perizaad, besides Salman-Priyankas portions.