It's been a satisfying journey: Bollywood actor Govind Namdev

Govind Namdev has made a name for himself in Hindi cinema as a villain and the actor says with every project, he has always tried to play the negative roles differently. Apart from his work in theatre and films, he is also noted for his work in television

Namdev came into acting coincidentally. Govind never thought he would become an actor. He says, "I am from Madhya Pradesh. After completing my school education, I went to Delhi to do my graduation. In Delhi, I decided to get a part-time job. I saw an ad of the Delhi government about two scholarships for studying in National School of Drama, so I was excited about it and I applied for that scholarship and got through it. Film 'Sardar', which I had shot first, that can be called my maiden project, but I made my official Bollywood debut with 'Shola Aur Shabnam' in 1992. I have done a lot of films that I am proud of. It's been a satisfying journey."

He came to Mumbai in 1990 after doing professional theatre in Delhi for 12 years. He made a reputation for himself in the theatre circuit. But he got his first movie without audition he says, "I decided that I won't do any work that would demean my respect or talent. I had worked with renowned directors and personalities of the theatre. I created a pictorial record of all my theatre work and came to Mumbai. Three months after arriving here, I received a call that Ketan Mehta is planning a movie and is doing the casting in Delhi and he is asking for me. I went to meet him in Delhi, and he signed me for the character of V. Shankar in his movie on Sardar Patel. I didn't audition for the role. Mehta saw my photo and matched my look with that of the character."

Namdev has been in the industry for almost three decades he says, "There has been a positive change in how the industry functions. Films of all levels - small and medium even are being helmed. Producers are now experimenting. Stories of small towns are making it to the big screen. In those days, there was a lot of stylised training - for talking, body language and expressions. But now the stories told are of and from real people."

The actor has played the antagonist in films such as 'Bandit Queen', 'Prem Granth', 'Virasat', 'Satya', 'Sarfarosh' and 'Oh My God!', among others. "It was never by choice it just happened. I have played versatile roles and even if I played a villain in a series of rows, I have made sure that each character is different from the other. So, I always wanted to play versatile roles," says Govind.

Speaking about the challenges he shares: "The initial struggle was to get work but more disappointing was getting a rejection and getting replaced at the last moment. I accepted the situation and from then there was no looking back. The turning point came when I was offered the role of Villian in 'Prem Granth'."

About his upcoming films 'Jhalki' and 'Main Zaroor Aaunga', he says, "I am very much excited about both the films. It feels really great and both of the roles are pole apart. So, through this audiences will get to see different shades of me as an actor. It is a great thing for an actor to get versatile roles. I feel very fortunate and looking forward to doing more great characters."

"'Jhalki' is based on child trafficking where he is essaying a negative role of Brooker who is involved in this child trafficking business. It also stars Divya Dutta, Boman Irani and Sanjay Suri. And 'Main Zaroor Aaunga' is a thriller murder mystery. He is essaying the role of a detective who unfolds the mystery and holds the major twist in the film. It also stars Arbaaz Khan and Aindrita Ray in lead."

For the upcoming actors, he advices, "Now the film industry has changed a lot. A lot of opportunities are there for newcomers. Never lose hope and give your best. Now Villian and hero both get same importance."