In a recent interview, former Central Board of Film Certification chief and producer Pahlaj Nihalani refuted actor Govinda’s claim that he was offered James Cameron’s Avatar. Speaking on the issue, he clarified the situation and commented that something has changed with Govinda.
When Govinda mistook the Hindi film Avatar for James Cameron’s film Avatar
Speaking to Friday Talkies, former CBFC chief Nihalani dismissed Govinda’s claim that he was offered James Cameron’s film Avatar. Pahlaj said that actor-politician Govinda mistook Avatar for his unfinished Hindi film.
Reacting to the Hero No. 1 actor’s statement, Pahlaj said that he had directed a film with him called Avatar. He had shot a 40-minute portion of it, which he considers one of his best works, but the project was shelved.
He said the Rangeela Raja actor was confused by the title Avatar, later claiming he was doing the Hollywood film Avatar. “The disc in his brain spun and the language went from Hindi to English,” Pahlaj joked.
He further said that Govinda claimed that he was offered the role in Avatar while he forgot that it was Pahlaj Nihalani’s Avatar. He called it a big tragedy.
Govinda suggested to stop this project and do something else. He tried to film the film in a single schedule, but suddenly, for some unknown reason, he started feeling unwell after drinking badam tea and since that day he is not in a good state of mind.
He started talking nonsense, which delayed the schedule. Some songs and parts of the climax remained incomplete as he did not shoot at all. The set would be ready, he would wake up, but then he would faint again. The reason for his condition after eating almonds remains a mystery even today.
The producer commented that Govinda’s acting abilities are unmatched and praised his dedication to his family and his kind heart. However, he also highlighted the factors that he believes led to the decline of his career. “He gradually became more superstitious,” Nihalani said.
Nihalani further revealed that he was always somewhat naïve and would predict incidents like the chandelier falling on the set or Kader Khan drowning.
Based on these beliefs, he insisted on changing clothes and refused to do certain tasks on specific days. These factors, combined with his habitual lateness, led to his downfall.
Also read: Bosco Martis revealed that Shah Rukh Khan danced to all the steps of Pathan despite being in pain due to his injury.
