In the last few years, Bollywood has gone through an immense transformation - adding Matrix-style CGI effects, enhanced choreography and atypical scripts to quench the thirst of a perpetually-growing international demand. In order to do so, glamour has climbed right to the top of its priority list. It seems that veteran actor Govinda, once known as the King of Comedy, has finally come to terms with the bitter reality:  If you do not acquire a hunky appearance, it is impossible to survive in an industry driven by the splendour of Sex Appeal. As a result, he has responded to Darwinism by opting for cosmetic surgery.

Govinda has gone through many phases of acting, spanning dramatic and action lead roles,  but mainly dominating the arena of comedy. In spite of having just average looks, his acting and dedication to moulding himself into any kind of role is what him a popular cultural icon. After a successful career, when Bollywood thought it was time to write him off the list, he decided to make a comeback by signing for the film Partner with Salman Khan. Maybe while standing beside Salman (the Hunk of the Khans), he finally realised the importance of looks to compete with the actors of today’s generation.

In Hollywood, it is the norm for actors to tamper their body to suit certain roles. Matt Damon lost forty pounds for Courage Under Fire. Christian Bale dropped one-third of his total weight for his role in The Machinist, after which he had to instantly recover his shrunken stomach, and regain his weight for Batman Begins. Robert De Niro, the most notorious of all in this area, went to the extent of brutalizing his teeth to play a psychotic rapist in Cape Fear. Looking long term, many stars in Hollywood (over 60%) casually opt for cosmetic surgery in order for them to keep their looks so they can continue commanding screen time (Jolie, Anderson, Diaz, Aniston, Johansson etc etc.).

Clearly Bollywood’s era of 40-year-old actors acting as college students are over. Even a dedicated perfectionist like Amir Khan could not quite pull it off trying to do so in Rang De Basanti. Govinda on the other hand is determined to venture into action roles this time. Evidently he has to be well-equipped for the challenge of today’s Bollywood Action genre, which demand a display of chunky flesh and six packs.

“My friends have sweet-talked me into it. However, before the surgery, I have to complete my current assignments. Most are either on the verge of completion or release. I have seven releases in the next one year after which I want to come back with an entirely different look”, the dedicated actor states.

Although Govinda’s decision to transform into a hunk might sound rather bizarre, a glance at his career will show that he has impressed audiences and critics by making the right choices at the right times. One can only wait and see how he lifts his fame back in the box office with his new biceps.

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