Snehashish roy
In the often-cutthroat world of Bollywood, where professional rivalries and egos frequently clash, a rare story of genuine respect and humility has emerged from the sets of the 2007 blockbuster, Partner. The film, a smashing success directed by David Dhawan, was a pivotal moment for both of its leading men: Salman Khan was at the peak of his superstardom, while co-star Govinda was navigating a challenging “rough patch” in his career, making Partner a highly anticipated comeback vehicle.
Actress Deepshika Nagpal, who played a role in the ensemble cast, recently offered a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the professional dynamic between the two iconic stars. Her recollections dismantle any notion of a hierarchical tension, instead highlighting a relationship founded on mutual admiration, where the industry’s biggest star showed extraordinary courtesy to a veteran whose career was momentarily dimmed.
Appearing in an interview, Deepshika confessed that facing the legendary “Comedy King” Govinda on set could be intimidating. “Govinda ke saamne dar toh lagega bhai (You are bound to get nervous in front of Govinda). He is the comedy king, and his timing is superb. Everyone around him is extremely alert, because you have to match up to him,” she explained. However, she emphasized that while Govinda’s presence commanded focus, the real lesson in professionalism came from Salman Khan.
The film was widely seen as Salman’s gesture to boost Govinda’s career, a high-stakes scenario that could easily breed insecurity or arrogance. Deepshika revealed that nothing could be further from the truth. She observed the bond between them firsthand and stated emphatically that Salman never once let Govinda feel inferior or like a lesser star.
“Salman never let Govinda feel that his career was going better, just because Govinda was going through a rough patch,” Deepshika recalled. She stressed the importance of Salman’s actions: “He never made him feel that ‘aapka time nahi chal raha, aur Salman Khan ka chal raha (It was Salman Khan’s time to shine and not his.)’”
For Deepshika, this was the mark of a truly gracious human being. She summed up the sentiment perfectly, asserting, “The bigger man is the one who doesn’t lord his strength over the smaller person.”
This respect was not just passive; it was demonstrably active and professional. Deepshika shared a remarkable anecdote that flips the typical Bollywood hierarchy on its head. Despite being the bigger star at the time, Salman was openly receptive to acting notes and corrections from the veteran.
“He equally respected them, and sometimes there was a scene when Govinda used to give notes to Salman, and he would listen respectfully and would never be rude towards him,” the actress shared. This level of humility—a superstar taking direction from a peer who had fallen on lean times—is a rarity in the industry. For Deepshika, it was a profound display of Salman’s character and upbringing, concluding, “Yeh, uske sanskaar hai (These were his values).”
Salman’s courtesy and magnanimity weren’t reserved solely for Govinda. Deepshika highlighted how Salman extended the same generous spirit to the entire cast and crew, recalling a personal act of thoughtfulness that left a lasting impression. While shooting a jet-ski scene, she casually mentioned her liking for riding them. The very next morning, Salman arrived with a brand new jet ski and told her to enjoy a ride, proving that he was attentive and generous even in small, fleeting moments.
The success of Partner, which also starred Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif, cemented its place in Bollywood history, not just for its box-office numbers but for reviving a career. Yet, Deepshika Nagpal’s testimony reveals the deeper, more significant legacy: a powerful lesson in professional dignity and star power rooted in humility. It’s a compelling reminder that true superstardom is defined not by box office dominance, but by the grace and respect shown to one’s peers, regardless of their standing. The enduring anecdote of Salman Khan taking notes from Govinda will long stand as a testament to the rarely-seen “values” that transcend cinematic success.
