The experience of working with Govinda has changed Upen's life.
"Working with Govinda has just changed my whole perspective to life. During the shooting of Money Hai ...in Mauritius Govinda became the elder brother I never had. Who says this industry is filled with opportunists and cut- throat competitors?
When I came from London I had nothing but my dreams. I met people like Suneel Darshan and Abbas-Mustan who gave me my two breaks. And now there's Govinda from whom I have learnt about comic timing and also how to speak my Hindi lines properly."
In all his films so far, even in Namaste London where he played a London-based NRI, Upen's lines have been dubbed by a professional dubbing artiste. But now thanks to Govinda's minute ministrations Upen would be able to speak on screen in his own voice.
If all goes well, Upen might even persuade Govinda to guide him personally during the dubbing of Money Hai To Honey Hai.
"Govindaji is doing another film Lucky 2 with me. So I'm getting to spend time with him, talk to him annd inbibe his speech patterns, all over again. Govinda and Manoj Bajpai (both are with me in Money Hai To Honey Hai) the best learming experience I've had in the industry."
Didn't Govinda get the title changed from Run Bhola Run to Lucky 2?
"I believe so. He plays Bhola. So if he got the title changed to something less self-serving it only goes to show his generosity of spirit," quips Upen.
Adds Govinda, "Upen has a lot of potential. I wouldn't mind helping him out. It's great fun to work with all these youngsters like Tusshar Kapoor and Upen Patel.They're so energetic and focused."