"I want to build a six-pack body and romance girls", Govinda reveals while Amisha Patel talks about her New Year's resolution and her handbag fetish Take a look at Bollywood actor Govinda's New Year's resolution and you may be inclined to think that he is suffering from midlife crisis.
Come 2010, the 46-year-old actor — known for his excellent comic timing —is determined to shed those extra eight kilos and is itching for an image make-over.
"It is funny, but I am now in the mood to play romantic heroes. When I was younger, I was not dying to do such roles, but now I have this urge to build a six-pack body and romance girls.
"I think Salman [Khan] has a lot to do with my transformation," Govinda, in Dubai for a concert tonight at Airport Expo, says in Hindi.
In the 2007 romantic comedy Partner — loosely based on the Hollywood hit Hitch — the slightly rotund Govinda looked at ease as he romanced the ravishing Katrina Kaif. Initially many found the pair mismatched, but the film went on to become one of the year's biggest hits.
"During shooting, I remember asking Salman whether I will look convincing in a romantic role. But his confident reply helped me a lot. The funny thing is when I was younger, I did not have any such urge. After my six-pack, maybe girls will even start shrieking at the sight of the new me. Who knows," he says, laughing at the thought.
Fondly known as Chi Chi, the actor-turned-politician has appeared in more than 120 films. "When I became a politician, many were surprised to see me dance and joke around in my films. They thought I will not take on such roles.
"But let me tell you, acting is my biggest passion."
Currently, launching his daughter Narmmadaa Ahuja in a Bollywood film is his main priority. A doting father, he doesn't resort to political correctness when asked whether he was pulling strings to launch his daughter in an A-list project.
"I am happy that Narmadaa is joining the movie [industry]. But it is important that she makes her debut with established, distinguished directors and actors.
"Good work happens when you are surrounded by greatness. So we are all working towards her launch. 2010 should be an interesting year."
Bollywood beauty Amisha Patel's New Year's resolution is to put her economics degree to good use and make sound investments in 2010. But when tabloid! caught up with the Kaho Na Pyaar Hai star on Tuesday, she was gearing up for a year of abstinence by indulging in a splurge-fest at the Dubai Mall.
The self-titled shopaholic, with a handbag addiction to boot, was wondering whether to treat herself to a designer tote. "I love handbags and even though I have only one day to shop, I am tempted to buy this amazing Dior bag. The thing is, I have already splurged on a beautiful pair of Dior shoes and now I am in a fix — should I buy a matching handbag too?"
Though we are tempted to remind her of her resolve for the new year, Patel forgets all about must-have bags and adopts a philosophical stand.
"2010 is all about forgiving and forgetting… Let bygones be bygones.
"I believe everybody has a destiny and we all have a special place carved out for us in the scheme of things."
For all those who are out of the Bollywood loop, Patel recently reconciled with her estranged parents. Patel had a fallout with her family over money matters.
"It's been a good 2009, we managed to let go off the past and mend all our differences."
Don't Miss itTonight, watch Bollywood actors Govinda and Amisha Patel in action as they dance to their hit tunes. The Bollywood extravaganza, organised by Country Club, will be held at the Airport Expo, East Hall. Gates open at 7.30pm. For details, call 050-1158365 or 050-9118029.
Amisha's favesHandbag designers: Hermès and Valentino Attire: White shirt and denims with a good fit. Denims: True Religion and dVb.
On her debut film: "I made a phenomenal debut with Kaho Na Pyaar Hai. It's difficult to top my own debut because it is one of the biggest hits of this decade."
