Actor Govinda says James Cameron offered him Rs. 18 crores for Sam Worthington’s ‘Avatar’ role

Actor Govinda, in a recent interview, has revealed that filmmaker James Cameron offered him the lead role in his blockbuster film Avatar

Actor Govinda, in a recent interview, has revealed that filmmaker James Cameron offered him the lead role in his blockbuster film Avatar, a role which was eventually played by Sam Worthington. Further, the actor claimed that it was he who suggested the title of Avatar to the Titanic maker.

In an interview with veteran actor Mukesh Khanna for the latter’s YouTube channel, Govinda shared how he met Cameron through a businessman he met in the US. “He asked me to do a film with James, and so I invited them for dinner to discuss it. I gave him the film’s title – Avatar. James told me that the hero in the film was handicapped, so I said I was not doing the film. He offered me Rs 18 crore for it and said I would be required to shoot for 410 days. I said that is okay, but if I paint my body, I will be in the hospital.”

Govinda added that the body is the only instrument an actor has. “At times, some things appear very appealing professionally, but you also have to see their effects on your body. Sometimes, you have to keep apologizing to people for years for saying no to a film; even if they are close, they have very strong egos.”

Meanwhile, in the same interview, Govinda opened up about why he joined politics, stating that many people in Bollywood conspired against him. “I went through a defamation phase, and it was pre-planned. They wanted to remove me from the industry. I understood that these were all educated people and that I, an uneducated outsider, had entered their space. So they started playing games with me. I can’t take their names; I am still surviving because of the work I did in the industry. When conspiracies against me began, there were even attempts on my life,” the actor said.

Govinda also claimed that many people wielding guns were caught outside his house and that plans to eliminate him were being schemed. “After these conspiracies, my nature changed. I thought, whether or not I engage in politics, this is how things are,” he added.

Further, the Bade Miyan Chote Miyan-star opened up on a major misstep in his career: refusing a ₹100 crore film. “I looked at myself in the mirror and even slapped myself for making that choice. I thought, ‘You must be crazy; this money could have secured your future.’ The role was similar to what works in films today.” The star, however, emphasised that one needs to stay true to themselves. “Being honest with yourself and listening to your inner voice is crucial,” he added.