When Govinda weighed 114 Kg, he gave Salman Khan major fitness advice. How Bhaijaan went on to rule Bollywood?

Salman Khan and Govinda share a long-standing bond in Bollywood, built on mutual admiration and emotional support. Their relationship has often been described as an extended brotherhood, with Govinda treating Salman like a younger brother and Salman sharing the same warmth in return. Recently, Govinda opened up about a difficult phase in Salman’s life and recalled how he encouraged the actor to focus on himself, exercise and move forward.

Govinda recalls Salman Khan’s difficult phase

Speaking to ANI, Govinda recalled that Salman was going through a period of emotional pain and distress when they were preparing to work together on their 2007 film Partner. According to Govinda, Salman had become withdrawn and was struggling to deal with personal issues.

Govinda said he felt Salman needed someone to speak to him and help him look beyond his troubles. He recalled sitting with Salman and Satya over drinks and trying to encourage the actor to focus inward rather than remain consumed by his problems.


According to Govinda, he told Salman that he had spent enough time looking at things outside himself and now needed to understand what was happening within. The actor said he intended to help Salman regain his confidence and come out of the difficult period he was experiencing.

Govinda also recalled being candid with Salman about his appearance and state of mind at the time. He said Salman was a hero but did not appear like one then because he looked unhappy and emotionally weighed down.

Govinda was 114 kg when he advised Salman

The conversation also touched upon Govinda’s own struggle with weight. The actor revealed that he weighed 114 kg at the time, after returning from politics. He was concerned about his own career and joked about whether he would lose weight in time to continue playing leading roles.

Govinda said that despite his own weight concerns, he focused on encouraging Salman to work on his fitness. When Salman asked him what he should do, Govinda advised him.

He said, ""He asked me, "What should I do?" I said, "Exercise for two or three hours a day. Look at Dharmendra. You are the only hero, after Dharmendra, who has been blessed by God with parents, siblings, a good face and a great personality. You are the only guy who could carry that kind of aura, the kind that makes people look at you and say, 'That's a hero.'"

The advice was not limited to physical fitness. Govinda also wanted Salman to regain his confidence and rediscover the qualities that made him stand out as a leading man.

Govinda predicted Salman would rule Bollywood

Looking back, Govinda said he believed Salman would go on to enjoy a major run in Bollywood. He recalled telling Salman that he would rule the industry for 10 years.

According to Govinda, that prediction eventually came true as Salman went on to establish himself as one of the biggest stars in Hindi cinema. His career witnessed a major resurgence in the years that followed, with several commercially successful films turning him into one of Bollywood’s most bankable actors.

Salman and Govinda later showed their comic chemistry in Partner, directed by David Dhawan. The film, released on July 20, 2007, was a box-office success and was well received for the pairing of its two lead actors.

The film also became popular for its music, with songs such as Do You Wanna Partner, Soni De Nakhre and You’re My Love gaining attention among audiences. Stay tuned!