Govinda was already a stellar-actor when I was born. He was ruling bollywood. A mass entertainer, a multi-faceted entertainer. Around early and mid-nineties his movies and he - literally were "No.1". Now two decades down, stars have changed positions. But for an avid 'masala cinema' lover, he is still unparalleled. Many actors followed him and made mark but none could be him, irreplaceable.
When it comes to acting, Dilip Kumar-Amitabh Bachchan-Govinda. This is how I sequence the hindi cinema's legend, a century old. While Kumar is a thespian par excellence and also a strong indicator that you need not be loud to act, Bachchan single-handedly changed the perception of 'Hero' in hindi films and brought machoism to the forefront.
Govinda, on the other hand, was most often the happy go lucky young man who would often beat the goons and save girl or elderly people, dance and sing on the streets in colourful pants (which are back in fashion now), cry during emotional sequences, and win in the end to "live happily everafter".
I cannot recall many actors besides Govinda who would do a "yaa.. yaw" during action scenes, which is a genuine expression during fights. I mean who fights lip-sealed sans all that oral aggression!
When Govinda cries on-screen you can actually see the tears. Its less about glycerine, believe me, just try imagining Bachchan or Dilip Kumar with eyes tear-filled. I know its hard work. Only Shah Rukh Khan is a match here.
Dance. Certainly a USP that will keep Govinda among the top when it comes to dancer-actors. Hrithik Roshan is phenomenal, no doubt, but dude... why so serious all the time? Mithun Chakraborty - magical on feet, was someone who danced with joy. In recent years, Salman Khan too has built an image for himself on the same line- dance is fun.
Dialogue delivery... perhaps one of the finest voice modulations one could be audience to. As assertive as assertion, as interrogative as interrogation. Comic timing, not far from Mehmood some say. Delhi Safari, India's official entry to Oscars 2012 in animation category, is a fine example of how things are said! Govinda, solely with his voice, had nailed it.
But then you cannot hold time. You cannot hold stars from changing positions. You cannot undo wrong decisions. There is a lot you cannot!
Govinda's stardom was toppled because was no more punctual to work by late 90s. His sudden disappearance from top-slot was similar to what had happened to Shammi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna's stardom and much for the same reason- they had become tardy. Often late at work.
Bad decisions. He did a number of brainless movies which unlike his other no-brainers were short on entertainment value too! Diving without life-jacket, doomed to drown! Bad PR management when corporates were taking over the industry finances and lack of A-grade lobbying could also be very well be reasoned for the down-fall of Govinda who in 1999 featured on number 9 in a BBC list of global entertainers of the millennium.
Then, rejecting 'Taal' and 'Devdas' at a time when he really needed some good A-class work could be best comprehended by the actor alone but not doing what Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff later did was something Govinda fans would have loved to see.
It is a less-known fact that Govinda had occasionally contributed to the lyrics, dialogues, writing and music in the movies he worked but without any credit, no patent issues back then you see.
Not to forget the contribution of Rumi Jaffery, Kader Khan, David Dhawan, Saroj Khan and others who helped carve out the artist from a lump of talent people called Govind Arun Ahuja.
Happy Birthday Govinda!
On a better day.
Have fun!
Take Care :)
When it comes to acting, Dilip Kumar-Amitabh Bachchan-Govinda. This is how I sequence the hindi cinema's legend, a century old. While Kumar is a thespian par excellence and also a strong indicator that you need not be loud to act, Bachchan single-handedly changed the perception of 'Hero' in hindi films and brought machoism to the forefront.
Govinda, on the other hand, was most often the happy go lucky young man who would often beat the goons and save girl or elderly people, dance and sing on the streets in colourful pants (which are back in fashion now), cry during emotional sequences, and win in the end to "live happily everafter".
I cannot recall many actors besides Govinda who would do a "yaa.. yaw" during action scenes, which is a genuine expression during fights. I mean who fights lip-sealed sans all that oral aggression!
When Govinda cries on-screen you can actually see the tears. Its less about glycerine, believe me, just try imagining Bachchan or Dilip Kumar with eyes tear-filled. I know its hard work. Only Shah Rukh Khan is a match here.
Dance. Certainly a USP that will keep Govinda among the top when it comes to dancer-actors. Hrithik Roshan is phenomenal, no doubt, but dude... why so serious all the time? Mithun Chakraborty - magical on feet, was someone who danced with joy. In recent years, Salman Khan too has built an image for himself on the same line- dance is fun.
Dialogue delivery... perhaps one of the finest voice modulations one could be audience to. As assertive as assertion, as interrogative as interrogation. Comic timing, not far from Mehmood some say. Delhi Safari, India's official entry to Oscars 2012 in animation category, is a fine example of how things are said! Govinda, solely with his voice, had nailed it.
But then you cannot hold time. You cannot hold stars from changing positions. You cannot undo wrong decisions. There is a lot you cannot!
Govinda's stardom was toppled because was no more punctual to work by late 90s. His sudden disappearance from top-slot was similar to what had happened to Shammi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna's stardom and much for the same reason- they had become tardy. Often late at work.
Bad decisions. He did a number of brainless movies which unlike his other no-brainers were short on entertainment value too! Diving without life-jacket, doomed to drown! Bad PR management when corporates were taking over the industry finances and lack of A-grade lobbying could also be very well be reasoned for the down-fall of Govinda who in 1999 featured on number 9 in a BBC list of global entertainers of the millennium.
Then, rejecting 'Taal' and 'Devdas' at a time when he really needed some good A-class work could be best comprehended by the actor alone but not doing what Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff later did was something Govinda fans would have loved to see.
It is a less-known fact that Govinda had occasionally contributed to the lyrics, dialogues, writing and music in the movies he worked but without any credit, no patent issues back then you see.
Not to forget the contribution of Rumi Jaffery, Kader Khan, David Dhawan, Saroj Khan and others who helped carve out the artist from a lump of talent people called Govind Arun Ahuja.
Happy Birthday Govinda!
On a better day.
Have fun!
Take Care :)
