Loved portraying the Masala King, says actor Govind Namdev

Renowned actor Govind Namdev has been continuously working in Bollywood films for almost 32 years, contributing to this glamorous film industry. He left his home after completing 7th grade, and this journey was not easy for a newcomer. 

Later, he came to Delhi and joined the National School of Drama (NSD). He worked for NSD as a member of its repertory company, performing in 11 plays in Delhi with Tuglak being his first play. 

In addition, he also enrolled at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. As a dedicated individual always eager to learn and practice all the basic techniques of cinema, one can count on Namdev’s name. He showcased his acting skills in Satya directed by Ram Gopal Verma, where he portrayed Bhau Thakurdas Jhawle, a politician.

This role significantly boosted his popularity among his audience and fans. Subsequently, he delivered a remarkable performance as Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, in Sam Bahadur, a film directed by Meghna Gulzar, daughter of legendary filmmaker, poet and lyricist Gulzar. 

In an exclusive interview with Patriot, Namdev spoke about his upcoming film projects. 

Excerpts: 

What kind of role are you playing in your upcoming webseries? What’s the name of the web-series? 

I am working in a web-series called Sand (Ret), based on the sand mafia. I portray the head of a mafia gang, starring alongside Manoj Joshi, Milind Gunaji, among others. I thoroughly enjoyed portraying a mafia. The film is set in Bihar, and I play a character akin to Bihar Ka Bahubali, living a luxurious lifestyle, dressed like a don, wearing expensive clothes. The film will be released soon on Netflix. 

Would you like to tell us something about movie Gandhi Talks? 

Gandhi Talks is directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar and stars south Indian film star Vijay Sethupati, Arvind Swamy, and Aditi Rao Hydari, among others. It’s a silent film with no dialogues, focussing on dark satirical comedy. The film delves into capitalism and racism existing in our society. Gandhi Talk is a film by Zee Studios. 

Is your character in these webseries different from your roles in films? 

Yes, I have played a variety of roles, and each performance has provided me with new learning experiences. However, every role is significant for me. 

What kind of role are you playing in Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan, and did you enjoy it? 

It’s an interesting film where I am working alongside young actors Taapsee Pannu, Pratik Gandhi, and Prateik Babbar. Directed by Arshad Syed, the shooting of the movie is almost complete. Yes, I loved my performance as I play the role of an awfully rich businessman, a masala king in Siddharth Roy Kapur’s film Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan. 

What is the story of Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan? What role does Taapsee Pannu play? 

The film revolves around an investigative comedy where a lady cop and a groom search for the bride. Taapsee portrays the role of an IPS officer. 

Have you also worked in television? 

Yes, I recently portrayed a politician’s role in an advertisement for oil, solely for the purpose of publicity. It will be shown on all social media platforms and television. Earlier, Nawazuddin Siddiqui acted in this advertisement. 

How do you view your 32-year long career in the film industry? 

It’s true that I have been acting in Bollywood films for a long time, portraying many wonderful roles directed by noted directors. I am happy to be part of Bollywood films and satisfied with my achievements. I love my audience and fans; their compliments are important to me. 

What keeps you motivated to still deliver unforgettable performances? 

This is an ongoing process, and I always aim to entertain my audience. I believe in hard work and leave the rest to my audience’s judgment. I am content and always happy with what I have. 

What are your views on the upcoming young actors? 

I admire the dedication of upcoming youngsters towards films. Actors like Kiara Advani and Rajkummar Rao gained fame at a young age, showcasing their talent, which is commendable in this industry. 

You described Shah Rukh Khan as a ‘workaholic’ in one of your interviews. Could you elaborate? 

I remember being in Hyderabad for shooting when I encountered Shah Rukh Khan. He works tirelessly; I saw him engrossed on his laptop, coordinating his schedule for an event in Chennai the next morning, alongside managing his production work and shooting commitments. His dedication is why people call him a superstar. 

Do you use social media platforms? How useful are they for you? 

Social media platforms play a crucial role; they are significant tools for actors. It depends on how you utilise these platforms. Posting important information elicits response from wellwishers, providing encouragement and energy. 

How do you stay fit? 

As an actor, it’s important to maintain fitness, so I dedicate some time to exercise. 

Do you have any unforgettable memories about Delhi? 

I cherish memories of Delhi, particularly my association with my Guru Ebrahim Alkazi and my time at NSD. Representing my country abroad and receiving a standing ovation for my performance in “Andha Yug” in Poland are unforgettable moments for me. 

You have worked with top film directors in your career. Which director do you admire the most? 

I am fortunate to work with esteemed directors like Ram Gopal Verma, Priyadarshan, and David Dhawan. I deeply admire the creativity of Prakash Jha and the style of Shekhar Kapoor. They extract 100% from actors, showcasing their talent effectively. Rajkumar Santoshi also delves deep to utilise his actors’ potential. 

Do you credit the National School of Drama for your successful career? 

Absolutely, I attribute much of my success to the learning techniques of the National School of Drama. I always enjoy visiting Delhi and sharing my experiences with upcoming students, hoping to inspire them to pursue a career in acting. I continue to learn and draw energy from these interactions.