# Govinda Reveals Why He Used to Arrive Late on Film Sets
Bollywood actor Govinda, known for his incredible comic timing and dance moves, was also infamous for arriving late on film sets. While many directors and producers found this frustrating, the actor recently opened up about the real reason behind his habitual delays. In a candid conversation, he credited legendary actor Dilip Kumar for influencing his approach toward his craft.
## **Govinda’s Habit of Arriving Late on Sets**
During a recent interview, Govinda shared that he never believed in being late intentionally. Instead, he compared his process to that of classical musicians who spend time aligning their instruments before performing. “I was a disciple of Dilip Sahab. Just like classical singers ensure their instruments are in tune before a performance, I too would ensure I was mentally and creatively prepared before stepping onto the set,” he explained.
He further clarified that his habit wasn’t due to negligence; rather, it was a method to ensure he gave his best performance every single time. Even today, he follows the same approach, emphasizing that Dilip Kumar himself had a similar way of working.
## **Govinda Turned Down 25 Films on Dilip Kumar’s Advice**
At the peak of his career, in the early 2000s, Govinda was shooting for as many as 40 films simultaneously. The actor revealed that he had signed a staggering 75 films at just 21 years of age, making his schedule extremely hectic. Eventually, this took a toll on his health, as he started falling sick frequently.
Recounting this phase, Govinda shared, “I was running from one set to another. I suffered from extreme exhaustion and even had to be hospitalized a couple of times. There was a moment when I didn’t sleep for 15 days straight due to back-to-back shoots.”
It was at this point that Dilip Kumar stepped in and advised him to prioritize quality over quantity. “Dilip Sahab suggested I drop 25 films for my own well-being. I was worried about returning the money I had already taken as an advance, but Dilip Sahab assured me that it would be managed,” Govinda recalled.
## **Producers Did Not Approve of His Decision**
While Govinda was convinced by Dilip Kumar’s advice, financiers and producers were unhappy with his decision to back out of several films. Having experienced extreme poverty in his early life, Govinda initially hesitated to reject work. However, he ultimately trusted Dilip Kumar’s wisdom and decided to focus on fewer projects.
“Dilip Sahab was the only well-wisher I had in the industry. When I was working 16-17 hours a day, nobody cared about my health. My constant traveling from one set to another naturally led to delays. I simply couldn’t be at 40 places at once,” he stated.
## **Govinda and Dilip Kumar’s On-Screen Collaboration**
Govinda and Dilip Kumar worked together in the 1990 film *Izzatdaar*, directed by K. Bapaiah. The movie also starred Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, Shakti Kapoor, and Asrani. *Izzatdaar* was a significant film that saw Govinda share screen space with the legendary Dilip Kumar, solidifying a mentor-disciple bond between the two.
This heartfelt revelation by Govinda sheds light on the struggles behind the glamorous Bollywood industry and how even the most successful actors face immense pressure. His admiration for Dilip Kumar and his journey toward balancing health and career serve as an important lesson for aspiring actors.
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