Govinda poses for the t2 camera in his suite at The Park. Picture: Rashbehari Das

Down the decades, we have loved his dance moves and gone LOL at his comic timing. Govinda, the man with the million-watt smile, was in Calcutta to promote his home production Abhinay Chakra that stars him as an idealistic cop. t2 caught up with him on the August 29 film and beyond.

What is Abhinay Chakra all about?

The film shows how today’s youth can solve issues without fighting. I had put on a lot of weight before this film and had to lose quite a bit of it to play a cop. I can’t play a romantic hero anymore, but can do action and comedy.

How did you lose weight?

I did yoga and pranayam for two hours daily. I eat very little after dusk and avoid oily food.

What was the reaction when you unveiled the first look of Abhinay Chakra at the IIFA awards in Tampa Bay in April?

We got a very good reaction. People said that my films don’t do well in other countries and so I shouldn’t release them abroad. But I think today’s youth will like the subject of Abhinay Chakra.

Apart from your much-appreciated guest appearance in Holiday, you have been practically missing from films...

In Holiday, I had a small role that became successful. I used to play a hero in the ’90s. But then, a few years later, I saw that I wasn’t getting a chance even in David Dhawan’s films. Partner (2007, directed by Dhawan) had become a hit, but Salman Khan was counted as the hero of the film.

After doing comic roles for so many years, how was it playing anti-hero in Kill Dil?

I am doing all kinds of roles. I feel people will like me in Kill Dil. This is a completely different kind of a film. People who say that certain things are not expected from me will be surprised to see me in a new avatar.

You also have a plum role, as Ranbir Kapoor’s dad, in Anurag Basu’s Jagga Jasoos....

I have been told not to talk much about the film. Anurag Basu knows his work... he is intelligent and efficient. I have quite a few scenes with Ranbir Kapoor... he is a very loving and well-brought-up guy.

You and Salman Khan have been friends for a long time. Why did you refuse Salman when he offered you a role in the Bolly remake of Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi film Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho?

Salman did offer me the film, but I requested him that I don’t want to make an art film with him. He understood and I hope we will work together soon.

What happened to the film you were supposed to do with Karisma Kapoor?

I wanted to work with Karisma. We had even discussed a film, but she told me that her children are too young. She wants them to grow up and then she will start working.

Among the young actors, who do you think has the potential to make it big?

Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh are very good. I think both will go a long way and be very successful.... All these young actors give us a lot of respect. It shows that they come from good families.

I also like Deepika Padukone and Parineeti Chopra.

Varun Dhawan is being hailed as the new Govinda....

I have not seen his films. May god bless him.

Aamir Khan says he has always been your fan....

I guess he has something in mind for the future! He must have thought of something where he could use me as an actor.

Ratnalekha Mazumdar