Shubha Shetty Saha / DNA
- Govinda claims to have taken special consent from Sonia Gandhi to concentrate on his acting career and pay off his debts
Mumbai, Aug 30: At 45, Govinda is still raring to go, looking for those lead roles that had turned elusive at one point of time. A few years back, Govinda was going through his leanest phase. But thanks to a few friends like Salman Khan, he could rebuild his career.
Two years later, Govinda has managed to emerge from the deepest financial abyss. Today, he’s almost debt-free. Govinda gives some of this credit to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He says, “Maine Soniyaji se do saal pehle anumati maangi thi (two years ago I had sought permission from Soniaji).
I had told her that mujhe acting ke taraf dhyan dena padega kyunki I had some debts to repay. I told her I might not be able to concentrate as much on my constituency (North Mumbai) as I would like to. I had Madam’s permission—maine sharafat se apna kaam karke paisa kamaaya hai. Unhone mujhe poori ijazat de di thi (I have earned my money by honestly doing my work, she had granted me full permission),” he says.
However, he insists that he has done his best for his constituency, in spite of the criticism from the opposition. “When you are doing janta ka kaam, people are bound to talk. Jealousy toh hoti hi hai. Rumours have been spread about me. It’s a surprise that I have managed to find a way out even when there is so much muck around me. I know some people are even funding to spread those rumours.”
Now that his debts are over, will he be able to concentrate more on his constituency? “My constituency is my karmakshetra. I will continue taking care of my responsibilities and do even more for the area.” However, Govinda says getting into politics has made him a better person. He says, “People say once you enter politics, you are ruined. It’s actually helped me. I have got a fitter body and better health.
I am getting lead roles again. God gives everyone a chance to prove himself as a good human being and earn the respect he deserves.”