/> Govinda has been through the most turbulent times recently.Including a fire that destroyed his set recently.

He lost some near and dear ones, got into politics and suffered some far deeper losses than visible to the eye.

At the same time his career went on a demoniacal downslide that was stemmed in mid 2007 with the resounding success of Partner. Today Govinda is a changed man. He tells Subhash K Jha how.

Apparently you've gone back to your 3-shifts a day routine.
Aisa aapse kisne kahaa? The news about me doing six films is completely false. I'm doing only two films at a time. The other projects are only under consideration.

Your comeback is remarkable.
And I don't want to lose this second opportunity that God has given me. I want to take my work further. Being professional is very important. There's no alternative to hard work.

Earlier my experience was limited, and so was the learning process because I was constantly running from one set to another. I think I've just begun my career now.

I feel I'm in Standard 1 in school. I'm feeling nervous and excited. But also tired. I'm learning, understanding and I'm trying to manage in my own way.

Would you say comedy still remains your forte,considering the success of Partner?
You know, if you've been associated and successful with a particular kind of acting for so many years, then it's wise to continue in the same direction.

I've a track- record of successful comedy films spreading into more than a decade. Today I'm being offered romantic comedies

My recent releases like Salaam-e-Ishq and Partner combined comedy with romance.

So you're basically going down your familiar route?
With one big difference. Today I can't be taken for granted by people who want to make films with me. For too long I've been taken for granted. T

oday I insist on working only with big banners who will ensure that a film gets released properly and on time. Ravi Chopra's Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai is one such project.

Only one schedule of that remains. I thought the film would be over. But the other artistes in the film are very busy. Then I've a film with Neeraj Vora called Do Lucky with Tusshar Kapoor.

You seem to be in a very comfortable situation in life?
Yes, I can't deny that. I've almost cleared all my debts. My career has also been returned to me a second time. Then there're my political activities. After a long time I'm at peace.

Your career has been low on quality?
I made a determined effort to be disciplined about my career. I've changed my viewpoint. I'm less emotional and more practical now. By next year I hope to strengthen my position personally and professionally.

What about your political career?
I want to do quality work in both cinema and politics. I want to do more work quietly.

Are you still part of politics?
Well, I am part of the Congress and as long. As I am an MP I'll continue to be in politics.

How much marks would you give yourself in politics?
I'm such a slow learner in politics. It's too early to put me through a test. I've just begun to understand politics.

I don't want be involved with the wrong people and situations in any more. From childhood I've been overly sentimental about my family and so-called friends. It took me a long time to change myself.

I walked all alone in life to reach where I am. Today everything is falling into place. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

What hopes for 2008?
Quality work and to conduct myself professionally. I'm expecting that the work I get will give me satisfaction. Right now I'm sitting in cars driven by other people. I hope to drive my own car by next year.