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Govinda and daughter - a winning combination

Govinda and daughter Tina Ahuja drop into the Khaleej Times office to talk about her latest project, a music video shot in Dubai

Whenever we reminisce about the fun and rather outlandish Bollywood scene of the 90s, one name immediately springs to mind - Govinda. Watching a Govinda film (especially his comedies) in the cinema back then was always three hours well spent - we'd either be in splits or enjoying some foot-tapping music and dancing. Govinda, star of memorable hits like Dulhe Raja, Hero No. 1, Saajan Chale Sasural and many more, kept us entertained in that decadent decade not only with his expressive performances but also his signature dance moves.

So we were delighted when the 55-year-old actor dropped into the Khaleej Times office with his daughter, actress Tina Ahuja, who starred in the 2015 film Second Hand Husband, for a chat on Sunday, August 25. They made for a charming father-daughter pair, their camaraderie evident in the light-hearted and inspiring conversation that ensued as Tina spoke about her latest project - starring in a music video - while Govinda regaled us with snippets from the past and also had some wise words to share.

Shooting in Dubai
"Tina's song launch is a very special occasion and I wanted to congratulate her," says a smiling Govinda when we enquired what brought him down to Dubai.
Tina reveals more about her debut music video, which was shot entirely in the city. "It's a very fun, party number and I'm the main protagonist in the song called Milo Na Tum (sung by Gajendra Verma), which will release on September 10. It's a recreation of the song from the Diamond Jubilee film Heer Ranjha. It happened to me because papa (Govinda) knew the director and the producer Hitendra is a friend of mine; we've worked together before. One day we were at home and the director made papa listen to the song and he was like, do you want to listen to it, what do you think about it? I thought the song was amazing and I just had to say yes."
Seeing as her dad's renowned for his dancing, did she want to follow suit and show off some dance moves in the video? "We had some rehearsals and I was personally looking forward to dancing in the video, there is a little bit of grooving here and there, but the way I wanted to dance and perform, that couldn't really happen because of shortage of time, but at least a little bit is there, so I'm kind of happy with it!"
"As it is there's no dancing like my dancing!" throws in Govinda.
Among the shoot locales was the beautiful beachfront destination La Mer, says Tina. "It was my first time there, and so beautiful! We had some indoor shoots as well; I had a great time shooting (for this video), it was quite adventurous, because we started shooting in the night and went on till the next morning. It was fun and the locations were really beautiful."
On her Instagram account Tina calls Dubai her "favourite city." Does she visit often? "I so want to come here often but because I work with dad, we don't really get the time but I think the people are so beautiful out here and friendly. We try and make it once every year at least. I really like the shopping and food here!"

A famous father helps
Tina says she's not intimidated by having such a famous father as she tries to make her own way in the showbiz industry. "It does help to have a famous father. But there are expectations and you have to be hardworking. Just because you're a legend's daughter doesn't mean you take things for granted. I've been working hard and I've been getting good offers. I believe in doing quality work. I would rather do a little bit of work, but good work, rather than just being everywhere. So it's fun, it's challenging because people expect a lot and that's good. Dad's very supportive. Because of him and the kind of songs and movies and dances that he's done, people around me make me want to be my best. I remember around two years ago I had gained a lot of weight and it took me a good amount of time to change myself. You have to work hard on yourself, whether as an artist or a personality because you are being judged all the time."

They love Nick-Priyanka
Govinda's popularity extends to celebrity millennials as well. Recently Nick Jonas shared a funny meme that compares him with Govinda and called the comparison 'accurate.' It seems to have gone down well with the Bade Miyan Chote Miyan actor who said, "Both Priyanka and Nick are our favourites, they're very sweet."
Tina says she's used to her dad (and herself) being spoken about on social media and other platforms, having experienced this (kind of lifestyle) since childhood. "There have been highs and lows and super highs also, so it's very normal for me! I remember when I was in school I had suddenly become the odd one out. My father was giving back to back hits. My fellow students left me feeling sidelined. As I've seen the good and the bad, it doesn't really matter to me - if a person is honest, sincere and hardworking, then all these things shouldn't matter and there's nothing to be worried about."

Forever young
In the midst of our chat a Khaleej Times reader commented on Facebook Live, "Govinda, you look so young. How do you do it?" He reveals, "It's mainly yoga and Pranayama. I'm different from people who lead a fast life. I'm a lover of nature and I appreciate people who are attached to nature."
When we asked him if he still dances, Govinda is pretty self-deprecating. "My dancing is not like dancing at all," he laughs, adding that it was all quite spontaneous. What does he think about Bollywood dances today? "I think you have to be physically fit to dance today. It's important to look natural and enjoy yourself while dancing. Also, the language of the dance shouldn't be offensive to your fellow dancers or to the audience. My favourite is Bharatanatyam because it improves your personality! I however have become famous through Western-style dancing, and whichever heroines have been cast opposite me have been as modern as I was desi. (laughs). I have been lucky to star alongside them, they have brought me success. In dance, people look for the right language. And when I danced, I felt the language was right, so it became successful. Also, what a writer writes and the music director's music, all that comes together and brings a new language to films, and dancing."
One of her dad's best qualities, Tina says, is his honesty, sincerity and passion for his work. "If you're not passionate about what you're doing then you are just wasting your time and wasting others' time as well."
What is the best advice Govinda could give Tina?
"What I tell other people is what I tell youngsters, that your hard work and your honestly is what will benefit you. A person who is honest is successful and vice versa. I feel that the time that the Almighty has given us, the beauty we have been given, whatever blessings we have been given, how you use them is important. And when you develop as a result of these gifts, the outcome has to be handled as well. One must not worry too much or be afraid, and do whatever (projects) come along out of desperation. Be connected with nature. There may be a lot of people who seem to be your friends but are not. Have faith in yourself. I've never got the best, so I thought how do I make what I have the best? You have to wait for your time."
Tina's favourite Govinda films
"Hatya, Swarg, Naseeb, Aag, Khuddaar, Dulhe Raja; Hero No. 1 was so nice, and Hadh Kar Di Aapne because he played so many roles in that movie! Kill Dil presented a different version of him. And I really liked Hum. I could just go on and on," she says. Govinda jokes about how his kids would get annoyed and objected to his female co-stars when they were younger. Tina however denies this saying, "It was only the child actors that he acted with that I was jealous of. And I would cry (I still do) when he gets a beating in films, or cries on screen!"
Govinda reacts to the Avatar controversy
Govinda reacted to a recent social media storm involving his revelation on the TV show Aap Ki Adalat that he turned down a role in James Cameron's Avatar and was the one who suggested the title of the film. He was trolled for this and memes sprung up all over the Internet. "Pulling people down on social media has become the norm. It was at the time when I was giving back-to-back hits, that this (the Avatar thing) happened," he says. Did the controversy hurt him, seeing as he comes across as quite a sensitive soul as compared to other Bollywood actors? "I don't react to these things. Those who have been pushed around in a local train, don't feel this kind of pushing (laughs). I just felt that this particular issue was being discussed so much, that I had to tell the whole truth about it. I have my own way of thinking and behaving, which I feel has been inspired by my seniors and the Almighty." Talking about social media, Govinda says he doesn't get 'trapped' by it. "I don't find love in any form bad, and I don't like fights or quarrelling in any form."
Govinda's message for his fans
Govinda has amassed a massive fan following since his Bollywood debut way back in 1986. He says he's hugely grateful to all his fans. "Thanks a lot to all of you. For all the years that we have had a special relationship, for your kindness and prayers. I feel there are a lot of people who change with changing times, and changing films and age, but my fans have remained constant throughout. Wherever you are, take care of yourself, and your parents. I feel that if you're a good child, you will be successful because of your parents' blessings."
enid@khaleejtimes.com