Baldev Raj Chopra was nothing less than a school: Govinda

I had made a couple of appearances in commercials before what I can actually call as my debut. My first cheque came from BR Chopra and his production company after I did a watch endorsement for Allwyn. Ravi Chopra had actually first directed the commercial for me which was produced by Br Choprasaab. I even managed to earn a few thousand rupees for that advertisement. I used the money to try and buy a gift for my mother. And I am so proud to have worked with him and Ravi Chopra right in the start of my career. Even at the time of his demise, I am working in a film for his production Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai which is again being directed by Ravi Chopra.

He was like a father figure for me and many others from the film industry. He is a school in himself. There have not been too many people like him in our industry. His production house came up with films which reflected the society. BR Chopra was someone who influenced an entire generation. And it was not just his films. Films like "Naya Daur", "Pati Patni aur Woh", "Insaf Ka Tarazu" cannot be replicated. Naya Daur was even loved by the youth when it was re-released last year!

And that's not all his television show Mahabharata brought a revolution in the television scenario in India. He used to respect values and that what he has given to the industry not only as a person but through the various films and television serials that he has made. Even after his death, I think we should be able to remember him by watching the kind of films he made and the kind of television shows that he has made in his life.

For me BR Chopra has always been a mentor. I would always look up to him. He was always there for me supporting me. He in fact called me whenever any film of mine did well or went on to become a hit. He called me after my first hit film "Love 86". Then he called me for Aankhen, Coolie No. 1 and all my hits thereafter. He used to talk to me about how proud he was of me because I had started my career with them. I don't think I can ever repay him what he has given me. I am sure Ravi Chopra is going to continue all the good work. If you see films like "Baabul" and "Baghbaan" in recent times which Ravi has directed for his father, it reflects the spirit of the other family oriented and social films that Choprasaab has made till date. You will realise that he was as simple and straight as the films that he made.

There is no difference in the family values that he upheld and conducted within his family and the kind of values that he imparted through his movies. And we have just worked together for a great film together which is entertainment and also provides a good message. BR Chopra will remains in our hearts and in our lives forever through his movies. God bless his soul.

As told to Noyon Jyoti Parasara