Govinda recently revealed that he was offered the lead role in James Cameron’s “Avatar,” along with Rs 18 crore, but he declined due to the character being “lame.” He shared this on Mukesh Khanna’s YouTube channel, recounting a chance meeting with a Sardarji in America that led to his introduction to Cameron. Despite the lucrative offer, which included a lengthy shooting schedule, Govinda was unwilling to take on a role he considered unappealing. The original “Avatar” was released in 2009, with sequels scheduled for 2025, 2029, and 2031.
New Delhi:
Govinda, who has been in the news lately for his personal life, recently dropped a bombshell by revealing that James Cameron offered him the leading role in the film Avatar. He was also presented with an enticing offer of Rs 18 crore but chose to decline because he found the character to be “lame.”
This revelation came during an appearance on Mukesh Khanna’s YouTube channel. Govinda recounted how a chance encounter with a Sardarji in the USA led him to meet James Cameron.
“I even passed on an offer of ₹21.5 crore, an experience I remember painfully. I encountered a Sardarji in America and suggested a business idea involving sweets and treats. Years later, he told me the idea had flourished for him. During this interaction, he facilitated my meeting with James Cameron. He encouraged me to collaborate with James, so I invited them over for dinner to discuss it further.”
Govinda elaborated on his meeting with James Cameron, noting that despite the substantial financial offer, he was unwilling to take on a character he deemed lame.
He remarked, “I was the one who suggested the film’s title. I had seen Rajesh Khanna with his left hand amputated and thought, ‘What a good man; I don’t understand why he took on such a strange role!’ So, I said, ‘A second time, it will be Avatar!’ Then Cameron told me, ‘The hero is lame!’ (I had suggested the title after seeing Rajesh Khanna and pondering his choice of role). I replied, ‘Lame? Govinda! Hello? I’m not doing your movie!’ He countered, ‘I’m offering you 18 crores.’ I replied, ‘I don’t want your 18 crores.’ He mentioned that the shoot would last for 410 days. I said, that’s fine, but if I paint my body, I’ll end up in the hospital!'”
Avatar premiered in 2009, featuring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana in the leading roles. The sequel, The Way of Water, debuted on December 16, 2022.
The third installment is anticipated to be released in 2025, with Avatar 4 slated for 2029 and Avatar 5 aimed for 2031.