Upen Patel has been uncharacteristically nervous lately.
"That's because I've been shooting a music video with the one and only Govinda. Can you imagine me just a four-film old newcomer with two left foot doing a jig with the awesome Govinda?"
Upen's face lights up as he talks about Govinda. "Govinda just adopted me on the sets of
Money Hai To Honey Hai. That's the film for which we're currently shooting the promotional music video. The song is a very racy
Race kind of dance track by a new duo named Nitish-Soni. I died when I realized I had to dance with Govinda for this song. On top if it, the film's director Ganesh Acharya was the choreographer. Govindaji and Ganeshji have done...like a million films together."
But Govinda made sure Upen was completely comfortable. "He guided me through my steps, made sure our styles matched. He's so spontaneous and free-styled while my steps are far more controlled. But you've to see us together for this number. Not for a second does Govinda let me slip up."
At a time when stories about the senior star's eccentricities are being circulated, Upen is truly appreciative of Govinda. "I find Govinda so normal, down to earth and nurturing. I've had some bad experiences with established actors. But Govinda makes you forget a thousand you-know-whos," Upen laughs.