The Govinda-Salman bond has grown beyond films. From showing off his shirtless bod to taking tips to woo Katrina Kaif , Govinda 'Khan't' do without Sallu bhai!

It’s hard to say whether Govinda is a better actor or a politician. But he is an excellent host. On a rain-swept afternoon, he settled down for a nice chat with The Indian Express over steaming cups of adrak chai and sandwiches.

Just back from Mysore, after completing a shooting schedule of Chal Chala Chal, Govinda has hordes of media persons and stray autograph seekers to deal with. He greets everyone with a wide grin, minus any starry airs.

The actor-MP’s affable mood can be attributed to Partner. This David Dhawan movie, ready for a mid-July release, is according to the actor, his “proper comeback movie”.

Though Bhagam Bhag gave him success after six empty years and Salaam-e-Ishq’s lovesick cabbie role brought him appreciation, it is with Partner that Govinda is hoping to regain his hero tag.

In his second innings, Govinda — who romances Katrina Kaif in Partner and is cast opposite Priyanka Chopra in another upcoming movie — wants to perpetuate his lover-boy image.

“I got to play a purely romantic character only in my 126th film, Salaam-e-Ishq. Since people loved me in it, I will continue doing more such roles,” says Govinda, who takes tips from buddy Salman Khan to woo Kaif in the movie.

Call it the Salman influence (evident in the way Govinda shows off his shirtless bod in Partner) or an eagerness to be a reel lover boy, the actor is flaunting a slimmer frame. He has already shed 22 kg and is working on getting rid of another 10. A weight-conscious Govinda doesn’t even like the first round of photographs we took with him in a knit sweater. He changes into a flashy shirt. Needless to say, he looks hipper.

Govinda is happy to chat about his returned glory, his new bond with Salman Khan, and daughter Narmada taking to films as assistant director.

His ties with the Khan clan obviously go beyond films. This will be reflected in the onscreen partnership of Govinda and Khan in Dhawan’s next movie. “Apart from being a fantastic actor, Salman is a great human being. We belong to the same school of acting. In Partner, we bring our 20-year experience in Bollywood,” he says. In fact, the film will see the comic troika of Dhawan, Salman and Govinda together for the first time.