By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Aug 16 (IANS) Govinda has lost oodles of weight and has a new aim in life - to shift from comedy to full-on actioners and to look as “handsome and fit” as yesteryears actor Dharmendra.

“I’ve done action films in the past like ‘Hatya’ and ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, but they weren’t full-on actioners. I now want to do an action film with stunts of an international calibre. I don’t want to just plunge into it without being fully prepared. I’ve already lost a lot of weight. But it isn’t enough. I want to lose some more,” said Govinda.

The actor, known for his ‘funny man’ act in films like “Raja Babu”, “Hero No.1″, and “Jodi No.1″, says preparations are in full swing to get into shape for action flicks. Govinda has got himself a martial arts and physical trainer and is working on his physique and agility.

On a recent trip to London, Govinda discovered yoga. And his lifestyle has changed completely ever since.

“Yoga has changed my life. No matter what my schedule, I’ve to do yoga every morning. I feel the difference within me. It’s not about just losing weight. I lost a lot of weight earlier this year when I was shooting in Bangkok with Suniel Shetty for ‘Loot’. Yoga is about self-discipline, about toning the body. I feel myself losing inches around my waist. I feel fitter. I can get into tight clothes without cringing,” the actor said.

So what is his target?

“To look as healthy, handsome and fit as Dharam-ji (Dharmendra) did in his heydays. He has always been my role model. And now when I look at myself in the mirror I see glimpses of him in myself. That makes me feel really good,” Govinda said.

“I might soon get together with David Dhawan to make Handsome No.1,” he laughed.

Interestingly, in his new release “Life Partner”, Govinda’s role started as a guest appearance but was later extended into a full-fledged part.

“What you’ve heard is true. The producers Abbas-Mustan liked my work and kept extending the role until it became a full-length role. Director Rumi Jaffrey eventually managed to get his act together and we’ve put together a fun film that I hope will encourage women to look at their husbands and marriages in a different light,” the actor said.