Govinda rejuvenated after working with Priyan and Akshay

"Bhagam Bhag" left Govinda absolutely rejuvenated and he describes the experience of shooting with Priyadarshan as unique. "I've done many comedies with my friend David Dhawan. But working with Priyadarshan was a new experience," Govinda told IANS.

Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar are quite a team therefore Govinda faced an initial spell of awkwardness on the sets.

"That's true," Govinda admits honestly. "For the first four-five days I was the odd one out. It took me a while to get into Priyadarshan's and Akshay's rhythm. Once I did that, I had the time of my life."

The actor, who delivered hits like "Hero No.1", "Coolie No. 1", says earlier he used to shoulder a lot of responsibility on the director's behalf.

"Not that it never paid off! K. Ravi Shankar was completely new when he did 'Sindoor' and 'Dariya Dil' with me. So were Rakesh Roshan and my brother Kirti Kumar when they directed me in 'Khudgarz' and 'Hatya'. But now I've decided to be a director's actor.

"In Nikhil Advani's 'Salaam-e-Ishq' you saw me the way he wanted me to be. In Priyadarshan's 'Bhagam Bhaag' I'm what he wanted. And in Dhawan's 'Partner' you'll see Govinda in his style."

In fact, Govinda is on the verge of signing yet another film with Dhawan.

"I've never felt more charged as an actor. The shooting in London with Priyadarshan was extremely educative. I met so many new people. Travel and work open up your mind. I was doing both in London."

Be it Advani, Priyadarshan or Dhawan - everybody says that Govinda is a changed man.

"I'd like to think I've changed. Yes, I did have time-management problems. I've solved that. But more than that I did a lot of films for emotional reasons. At one time I'd have three-four films on the sets. That took its toll on my health and career. I've learnt my lesson well. No more 'bhagam-bhag' for me."

Politics now takes a backseat. Govinda is clear about where his priorities lie.

"I've always been very clear about my film career. It was always my first love. Everything else came later. However, other commitments got in the way. But now I've decided to give all of myself to my acting career. It's a great joy to be back on the sets."

In his second innings Govinda's humility gets to you. After all he has had the kind of comic innings that no leading man has seen. Govinda brushes off the past.

"A lot of time has passed. Trends have changed. And I'm trying my best to readjust. Just how much I'll succeed remains to be seen. Right now I just want to enjoy the feeling of getting back into the groove."

Govinda squarely shoulders the blame for his career's eclipse.

"I've been involved in one catastrophe after another. Sometimes it's hard to be optimistic when you're faced with one crisis after another. I try to put myself outside my troubles.

"I'm still a soldier of Soniaji's (Congress president Sonia Gandhi) party. I'll present myself in Delhi if I'm called. But for now I only want to savour the bhaagam-bhaag of film industry."

By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service