9 PM | ETV Telugu News | 23rd November’2022

Bollywood actor Govinda, known for his exceptional comic timing and charismatic presence, recently revealed an intriguing story about a missed opportunity in Hollywood. In a recent podcast, Govinda disclosed that renowned filmmaker James Cameron had offered him a staggering ₹18 crore to star in the 2009 sci-fi epic Avatar. Even more surprising, it was Govinda who suggested the iconic title “Avatar” for the film.

However, despite the lucrative offer, Govinda turned down the role. During his visit to the USA, he met a Sikh businessman who facilitated the connection with James Cameron. When the director shared that the film’s protagonist would be handicapped, Govinda felt the role would be too physically demanding, especially since he would need to paint his body for the character.

“James Cameron offered me ₹18 crore for the role and told me I would be required to shoot for 410 days,” Govinda recalled. “I agreed to the time commitment but was concerned about the physical toll. If I painted my body, I feared it would land me in the hospital.”

Govinda, emphasizing the importance of considering the long-term effects on one’s body, said that sometimes it’s difficult to say “no” to professional offers that appear attractive but may not be in the best interest of health. While Avatar went on to become a global phenomenon, Govinda’s decision to prioritize his health remains a reminder of the tough choices actors face in their careers.

The film featured Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Sigourney Weaver, with its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, released in 2022.