Interview: David Dhawan

With Partner raking in a cool Rs 42 crore in its first weekend, across 900 screens worldwide, director David Dhawan’s off to just chill in Goa. But tell him how the film is doing great business in Calcutta (the eight shows a day in the first week went up to 10 shows a day in Week Two at the plexes) and he warms up to a chat. Here’s what the Baap of Comedy had to say to Pratim D. Gupta on what could well be the biggest Bollywood hit of the year so far.

Did you expect Partner to open so big?
I definitely expected the film to open big, but this big I had no idea. Kab kis film public ko kitna pasand aa jaaye kya pata (smiles)? But you know people were waiting for a while for a film like this. When the promos first came on, one could feel that people were eager to see Partner. But they have totally loved the film in the theatres. Now it’s almost become a family film, which wasn’t the idea initially.

How do you bring out the best in Govinda?
Uska mera toh magic hai. Arrey, we have done 16 films before Partner. Only I know how to use Govinda. I know him that well. Also, he’s performed in the film.

You’ve worked with Govina after so long. Did you find any changes?
I found him to be better. Baat toh wohi hai but he has become a little easy, a little subtle. Woh loudness chala gaya hai. He has got a hang of today’s acting. The best thing is that he stays in character throughout the film.

Judwaa, Biwi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and now Partner... your record with Salman is incredible too...
(Laughs) Yes. Salman is very different from Govinda. He is very good looking and dances superbly. His dancing is more today’s dancing, unlike Govinda’s. That’s why I put that scene where they dance to Just chill and Sarkailo khatiya. Both were from my films.

Were you conscious about who to give more footage?
Nahin, nahin woh scene ke hisaab se... Both are friends of mine. So that was never a problem. Also, Govinda is playing an underdog. That guru-chela thing had to come out.

Why did it take so long to cast them together?
These things happen on their own and they should be allowed to happen like that.

So is the sequel Tom & Jerry really on?
Nothing like that. Abhi toh picture release hua hai. We haven’t really thought about a sequel, to be honest. See, there has to be a script which takes it beyond Partner. Only then will I make another film with them, not for the sake of doing it.

What’s next then?
I have four to five projects in hand but I want to start something with Govinda immediately. I can’t wait to do a solo film with him.