Veteran actor Govind Namdev has finally addressed the dating rumours swirling around him and actress Shivangi Verma after a photograph of the two together went viral. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the 70-year-old actor set the record straight, revealing that the photo in question was part of a professional publicity strategy for their upcoming film Gaurishankar Goharganj Wale.“When the film was being prepared, we had a discussion with the director, producer, and Shivangi about planning a strong publicity strategy. I agreed that it was necessary. We’d already shot several scenes, done morning exercises together, and clicked some good photographs,” Namdev said.He added that Shivangi was the one who suggested presenting them as a romantic pair to build intrigue. “Shivangi insisted that we should have a romantic pairing, that the images needed to convey a certain chemistry. I agreed, but also asked what kind of content she had in mind. She said, ‘There’s a lot. Content matters most.’ I thought, fine, let’s do it. But then, without informing me, she went ahead and tagged the film in a certain way. That’s where the misunderstanding started,” he explained.The veteran actor made it clear that he was upset with how the situation unfolded. “People began speculating about us, and frankly, I didn’t appreciate it. That’s why I stopped talking to her,” he stated. “I don’t want to get involved in unnecessary drama.”Rumours even reached the point where it was said his marriage with wife Sudha Namdev was under strain. “There were rumours that my household was affected and me and my wife were considering living separately. I didn’t react then, and I don’t react now. Everyone can see the truth. If someone refuses to, that’s not my problem. I’m not here to prove anything to anyone,” he said candidly.Namdev revealed that after seeing the first misleading post, he felt compelled to clarify the situation. “People had begun feeling sorry for me — not just the audience, but even close friends and family. So yes, as a respected actor, I felt a responsibility to speak up. That’s why I shared two posts initially — just to set the record straight.”Reflecting on his responsibilities as an artist, Namdev emphasized the importance of being mindful of the impact one’s work has on the audience. “If people idolize or follow us, we have a duty to be responsible in what we portray. The audience’s love is what gives an actor life. If they stop believing in you, your journey ends.”On being asked if he’s open to playing romantic roles even now, Namdev responded affirmatively. “If a script comes my way with a romantic pairing — even with an older or same-age actress — and it makes narrative sense, I’m absolutely comfortable doing it. But not just for sensationalism. There should be a reason, a moral perspective, something that reflects real-life dynamics.”
The actor, known for his powerful negative roles, also spoke about his guiding philosophy as an actor: “Even if I’m playing a villain, the intention should be that the audience dislikes the wrongdoing, not glorifies it. I try to make people feel that impact through my performance.”In a moment of reflection, he also admitted to a professional regret. “Yes, I regret doing one paan masala ad early in my career. At the time, it seemed fine — everyone appreciated it. But today, I realize the kind of message it sends. I would never endorse something like that again. I’ve spoken openly against tobacco and gaming ads too. There’s a limit to earning money. You have to draw the line somewhere.”Summing up his views, Namdev added, “Cinema is a mirror of society — what we show on screen shapes how people think. If we portray the wrong things, we must show their consequences too. That’s my effort — to ensure that even if we show darkness, it leads to some light.”
