Govinda in Mani Ratnam's new movie

Known for his comic roles and having being labeled the No 1 David Dhawan comedy star for almost a decade now, Govinda is all set to break free of his stereotypical image with Mani Ratnam's next film. The actor has been signed for a very important role in the Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai starrer which will go on floors by the end of this year.

Govinda who's currently been nursing his daughter who had undergone a facial surgery, expressed his gratitude for being presented with a new lease to life as an actor. "I had almost disappeared from the scene and was pulled back by my friends like Salman Khan", said the actor in an interview with a news daily.

Confirming his role in Mani Ratnam's film and expressing his happiness over it, he said, "I am actually doing a film with him! Isn't it every actor's dream to work with him? We met recently and heard about my role. It is an interesting and powerful role." (And NO, it's not comic!) "My role will definitely surprise people", added the actor.