Govinda Claims He Rejected Rs 18 Crore Offer For Lead Role In Avatar: 'Character Was "Lame"'

Govinda, who has been in the spotlight recently due to his personal life, made a startling revelation that James Cameron had offered him the lead role in 'Avatar'. The actor was reportedly offered ₹18 crore for the film but declined, as he found the character "lame."

Govinda shared this revelation during an interview on Mukesh Khanna's YouTube channel. He recounted how a chance encounter with a Sardarji led to a meeting with James Cameron in America.

"I even turned down an offer of ₹21.5 crore, and I remember it well because it was painful. I had met a Sardarji in America and suggested a business idea involving sweets and delicacies. A few years later, he told me the idea had worked wonders for him. He then introduced me to James Cameron and suggested I work with him. So, I invited them to dinner to discuss it," Govinda recalled.

The actor also shared details of his conversation with Cameron. Despite being offered a substantial amount, he was not interested in playing a "lame" character.

He further stated, "I even suggested the title of the film. I had once seen Rajesh Khanna in a role where he had a missing left hand and thought, 'He is such a great actor, why would he take on such a strange role?' So, I said, 'The sequel will be called 'Avatar'.' Then James Cameron told me, 'The hero is lame!' I said, 'Lame? Govinda! Hello? I am not doing your film!' He replied, 'I am offering you ₹18 crore.' I said, 'I don't want your ₹18 crore.' He also mentioned that the shoot would last for 410 days. I said that was fine, but if I had to paint my body, I would end up in hospital!"

'Avatar' was first released in 2009 with Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana in the lead roles. The sequel, 'Avatar: The Way of Water', premiered on 16 December 2022.

The third instalment is set to be released in 2025, followed by 'Avatar 4' in 2029 and 'Avatar 5' in 2031.