All’s not well between Salman Khan and Govinda. The latter was not part of the ‘Dabangg’ success party where common friends Aamir Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala, Farah Khan, David Dhawan and Subhash Ghai were present.
An insider says, “Things turned sour between them after the IIFA in Sri Lanka. Govinda had gone to Colombo on Salman’s invitation, risking the ban on his film ‘Raavan’ and inviting the wrath of the film’s cast and crew.”
It is learnt that Govinda had been feeling let down by Salman for not giving his daughter Narmada a break in films. Khan has been promoting Sonakshi Sinha and suggesting her name to Nadiadwala and director Shirish Kunder. Govinda’s daughter’s career hasn’t taken off yet. Khan had promised to launch her two years ago.
Govinda is grateful to Sallu for giving him the comeback film ‘Partner’ but now he feels he has paid his dues. So when Khan offered him his next production, Govinda refused the film saying he wasn’t happy with his role.
The snub didn’t go down well with the unforgiving Khan who decided to leave him out of the ‘Dabangg’ guest list.
“I wasn’t invited to the ‘Dabangg’ party,” Govinda confirms. “I am not disappointed. It was a ‘Dabangg’ party after all! Why should I be invited?” When told about the presence of Aamir and Ghai, he says, “They might have been part of the promotions.”
Is he no longer a part of the sequel to ‘Partner’? “David has told me that he’s finalising the script. When that’s ready, I will do it.”
Govinda’s daughter Narmada says, “I am working in a film now and I have no clue about what’s happening to the film I was supposed to do with Salman. I am not upset with Sonakshi. We’ve known each other since childhood and we often meet at parties. The last time I met her was three years ago at Salman’s farmhouse in Panvel. I was never close to Salman but dad was. Rumours of dad and Salman having a rift started during the IIFA when Salman walked the ramp with Sonakshi and not me.”