Govinda's Role in Salman Khan's 'Partner' Transformation Revealed
In the 1990s, Govinda reigned as one of Bollywood's most celebrated stars, captivating audiences with his energetic performances and a string of box office hits. However, as the new millennium dawned, his prominence in the industry began to wane. By the mid-2000s, the actor was actively seeking to reinvent his image to align with evolving cinematic trends.
Govinda's career faced further disruption when he took a three-year hiatus from films to venture into politics. Upon his return to the silver screen, he aimed to recapture the adoration of his fans, but the landscape had shifted. His fortunes changed with the release of 'Partner', a film that reunited him with director David Dhawan and paired him for the first time with Salman Khan.
The Genesis of Salman Khan's Makeover
In a recent candid interview with Siddharth Kannan, Govinda disclosed a pivotal behind-the-scenes detail about 'Partner'. He claimed that the idea for Salman Khan's significant physical transformation in the film originated from him. Govinda recounted meeting with David Dhawan and producer Sohail Khan to discuss casting, where he proposed Salman for the lead role in Sohail's production.
"We will change his personality, totally... A new Salman. The one we saw before was different, and the one we will see now is completely different," Govinda recalled suggesting. "So we tried it. We could do it." This suggestion set in motion a remarkable change in Salman Khan's appearance, which became a talking point for the film.
Collaboration and Camaraderie on Set
Despite both actors having previously worked with David Dhawan on separate projects, 'Partner' marked their first on-screen collaboration. Govinda spoke fondly of Salman Khan, describing him as a sincere individual who was open to guidance. "He asked me what he should do," Govinda revealed. "I told Salman you have to do this and this. Your face has lost its shine, your body needs to be ready, your hair are thinning out so you should do something."
Govinda admitted that this frank conversation, which he had after a drink, prompted Salman to take action. "He went and got operated, started exercising. Look at Salman after 'Partner', he wasn’t the same as before," he emphasized, highlighting the lasting impact of the transformation.
Salman Khan's Perspective on the Partnership
In a retrospective interview from the time of 'Partner's release, Salman Khan shared his thoughts on working with Govinda. He described the film as a product of their mutual affection. Salman confessed, "Earlier I felt scared to work with Govinda. Think of it, how much comedy can a person do in a film? So for the first 17 years of my life, I was very scared to share screen space with Govinda." This admission underscores the respect and apprehension he held for Govinda's comedic prowess.
Post-'Partner' Challenges for Govinda
Despite the film's success, Govinda's career did not sustain its momentum. Producer Pahlaj Nihalani, who has collaborated with Govinda on multiple films, commented on this difficult phase. In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Nihalani observed, "After Partner, everything went against him. He didn’t get any films after that. Many of his big films got shut down, including one with Priyanka Chopra. If someone stabs you in the back, there’s not even a single mark left behind. You don’t even get to know. So, he has been stabbed in the back many times." This insight reveals the unseen struggles and betrayals that plagued Govinda's post-'Partner' journey.
About the Film 'Partner'
Directed by David Dhawan, 'Partner' was inspired by the Hollywood film 'Hitch' and featured Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif in key roles. The movie not only served as a commercial success but also became a cultural milestone, remembered for its humor and the dynamic pairing of Salman Khan and Govinda.
Govinda's revelations shed light on the collaborative spirit and personal dynamics that shaped one of Bollywood's memorable comedies, while also highlighting the transient nature of fame in the entertainment industry.
