Govinda on his multi-edition autobiography: My story cannot be contained in one book

After 35 years of seeing highs and lows in the film industry, Govinda set to revisit it with his multi-edition autobiography

His is the story that aspiring actors, coming to tinsel-town from different parts of the country, can take comfort in — a Virar boy knocks on the doors of filmmakers, hoping to make a career in Bollywood, and in a matter of years, becomes one of the reigning stars, courtesy his unmatched dancing skills and perfect comic timing. But if he has seen dizzying heights of stardom, he has also experienced the lows of failure and disillusionment.

It’s far from easy to condense Govinda’s tumultuous journey in a book. Probably why the actor has decided to tell his story in his own words. “I had decided early on that I would start writing my autobiography when I turn 57,” says Govinda, who began developing his memoir after crossing the milestone last year.

His 35-year career in films has been dotted with commercial blockbusters, successful collaborations with David Dhawan, a deep friendship and subsequent fallout with Salman Khan. In 2004, the actor also turned to politics, but resigned four years later. “It will be a multi-edition autobiography. My story cannot be contained in one book. Each phase can be a different book — from my childhood years in a chawl, to my stardom, to the empty phase in my life when I didn’t have much work. I’ll write it in a light-hearted manner. I want to develop the memoir for the industry ka honewala sitara — if he reads my story, uss bechare ki bahut problems solve ho jayenge. Like Raj Kapoorji, I have tried to tell my story through my characters.”

His life hasn’t been without its share of controversies. Will his memoir be a tell-all? “You should never give it all away because then, there’s nothing left to say. I was an ordinary, short-tempered boy. I got lucky by God’s grace, aur star ban gaya,” he says, refusing to reveal the title he has in mind for the book. Govinda plans to approach publishing houses once he has completed writing.

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