Some say this is Govinda's second phase in Bollywood. Last year, the Salman Khan-Govinda starrer Partner was declared a hit. The film followed a low phase in the actor's life, dogged with rumours of eccentric behaviour, attitude and belief in silly superstitions. But the irrepressible Govinda is back with six films lined up for release and on the sets of Do Knot Disturb  directed by David Dhawan and produced by Vashu Bhagnani.

For the first time, former beauty queens Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta are working together in the film. The star cast includes Riteish Deshmukh, Rajpal Yadav, Ranbir Shorey and Sohail Khan. But Sunday afternoon was clearly Govinda's day as he matched steps with Sushmita (who is over a head and a half taller), waved to crowds calling out to him and posed (for us) next to a helicopter flown in specially for the shoot. David Dhawan, for all his bonhomie with Govinda, is a tough taskmaster. No starry nakhras or free time for PR please. Post pack-up and a few (soft) drinks down, some exclusive time with Govinda...

The actor or the politician...what would Govinda like to be identified as?
(Quickly) The actor...I am always an actor first. acting is my career, politics is not. Acting has given me a stature in life, it has made me who I am today.

So what does politics mean to you?
Politics is a relationship I have with people. It is a triangular relationship- between me, the people of my constituency and Soniaji. I had the honour of being asked to join politics by the Gandhis. They are among the most respected (political) names in the country....

A star, most would say, is removed from reality. Do issues such as rising prices concern you?
There must always be enough food for everyone. Prices may rise but food must always be available. People must be conscious and not fall for rumours or be taken for a ride. Sometimes politicians rake up an issue and keep on about it... aap logon ko baar baar bolte raho ki yeh cheez nahin hain...to unko aur bhi bura lagega ... People must look for an alternative... yeh mehenga hain to kuchh aur sahi ...but no one must be allowed to exploit their hardship.

What about your constituency, Mumbai North? In 2004, you defeated Ram Naik by over 48,000 votes.... (Govinda's constituency stretches from Jogeshwari to Palghar).
The whole look of Mumbai North has changed...it now looks like the rest of Mumbai. There are good roads, big malls and the water issue has been resolved. The Borivali-Virar line has been expanded... yeh koi mamuli kaam nahin hain ...Even Ram Naik as Railway Minister was unable to achieve this. But I have been helped by Soniaji...There is one thing I know...in politics, their (Gandhis) word means everything...

People criticise you...
Those who criticise me are jealous of the relationship I have with people. That's why they target me. I can draw a crowd which few people can do. My rally can draw 2.5 lakh people... mein bhi ghabra jata hoon !

Are you removed from reality?
(Pause) I react to things differently now...the other day, I had to dangle from the 25th storey of a building for a shot. I did it twice and the shot was a hit, but I had to ask them to quickly draw in the rope as I realised that my arms were tired and hurting and needed rest...There was a time when I had to cling to a train for hours together...travelling in Mumbai...but my arms never felt sore...

Is this your second phase in Bollywood?
I was away from work for some time. I thought I would be relaxed and fresh. Being without work is even more tiring. When we exercise, we are tired, but no exercise also causes tiredness to the mind. Being without work tires the mind. When I work I feel fresh... thakaawat nahin hain.

You have some six films lined up for release... but have you moved away from solo starrers?
I like films which are a package... I spend 30-40 days working... there are others to carry the load. In this film ( Do Knot Disturb ) there are others such as Ranbir and Riteish. Aur Sushmita, Lara and Vashu Bhagnani hero se kam nahin hain (laughs heartily)

What do you think of today's debutants?
Most of them are doing well and put in a lot of hard work. I like Ranbir. Abhishek Bachchan, too, though he is not a newcomer. But he looks very good these days and his work is excellent.

Can any of today's debutants replace Govinda?
No one can replace any established star. That's because God has different plans for all of us and no two people are alike. I am what I am because I was put into a certain situation and then I took the opportunity and created the path for myself.

Blogging, TV - what's the future for Govinda?
Blogging (bemused)...TV...yes. (Very upbeat) I am willing to do anything that helps me stay connected to people and gives me respect and stature in life.

When you go to bed, do you get a good night's sleep? Are you happy?
I never got a good night's sleep when I was struggling in my early days...there were many hardships then. When I entered politics, initially it was difficult, because I did not have anyone to show me the way...now I have understood the field and I am comfortable...
Today, yes I get a good night's sleep...I am comfortable with my surroundings and I have created that.

As an afterthought, “ log itne vaade kyon karte hain? Arre yaar...do vaade karo, woh pura karo...”