Ritesh recalls that he was a major Govinda fan since his school days. While Govinda's Ilzaam dance numbers, especially, ‘I am a Street Dancer' one had left him mesmerized, his favourite star's comedies such as Aankhen, Coolie No.1, Shola Aur Shabnam, Raja Babu and Hero No.1 made him his biggest fan.
Ritesh reveals, "Till date all the funny films that I have worked in, whether they are Masti (2004), Dhamaal (2007), Apna Sapna Money Money (2006) or Heyy Babyy (2007), these all have been inspired by Govinda.
I think he is the best comic actor of our country. He is the King of Comedy. In fact, he is one of the best and most versatile actors we have because he portrays every emotion flawlessly."
He further adds that he always wanted to be like him and act the way he does. But now having worked with him what does he feel? "I must admit that now I realize that - Yeh toh mushkil nahin, naamumkin hai (This is not only tough, it is impossible). But let me get it clear, I am not here to compete with him. I hope I complement him in all our scenes." Ritesh replies.
Incidentally, Govinda also belongs to the same National party – Congress which Ritesh's politician father Vilasrao Deshmukh represented as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra till a few months back.