Tampa Bay: Govinda, the flamboyant star who discovered the art of colour-blocking long before it became a trend, unveiled the trailer of his latest film Abhinay Chakra on the third day of Indian International Film Academy Awards in Tampa Bay in Florida.
Dressed in a salmon blazer and black pants, Bollywood's adored comedian, 50, whose glory has been fading of late, was accompanied by his wife Sunita. The IIFA Weekend is an annual event that honours the best in Bollywood and celebrates Indian cinema over four days.
"I play a cop who creates a circle of act so that he can catch the criminal," said Govinda, who has also produced the film. Translation? Govinda has the scope to masquerade as a swanky rock star in torn jeans and still get away with it.
"You will see the old Govinda that you loved. There are dance numbers but it's not a comedy." The self-made actor is best known for his comic timing in hits such as Coolie No 1 and Hero No 1.
Asked about what he thought about the raunchy comedies that was being churned by Bollywood, the actor took a diplomatic stand.
"If those movies are doing good business, then they must have done something right." So will he ever act in such a comedy?
"I will have to ask my wife for permission," said Govinda.
The penultimate day of IIFA will see a string of Bollywood-related events. In the evening, actors Priyanka Chopra and Shabana Azmi will screen Girl Rising, a project that trains its light on girls who have surmounted huge challenges in life, followed by an awards presentation ceremony for technical categories.
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"The youngsters today are very hard-working. Today's youngsters are body builders too," said Govinda.
