Four episodes down the line, Amazon’s Two Much continues to get better with every passing week. The advantage that the hosts, Twinkle Khanna and Kajol, have over the other chat-shows is that they know their guests firsthand. Twinkle Khanna has worked with Govinda in a couple of films; she has had a whiff of what it means to be ‘Govinda.’
For once, thanks to the company that he ‘quips,’ Govinda was relaxed, at ease, and laughing at the world and at himself. Govinda’s impersonation of producer Pahlaj Nihalani, who gave him his first break, was bang-on, although my friend Pahlaj didn’t find it funny (maybe he should go to the courts for personality protection). But he did agree that the chemistry between Govinda and Chunky Pandey is as kosher today on the show as it was during the film Aankhen, which Pahlaj produced 32 years ago.
In fact, Pahlaj is now toying with the idea of bringing the Aankhen pair back together for an encore.
I must say Chunky is one of the most sporting and self-deprecatory actors in Filmistan (or, ugh, Bollywood if you prefer). The one to laugh loudest at Chunky jokes is Chunky. Even when co-hostess Twinkle called him ‘Chaddhi Pandey’ (for endorsing innerwear), Chunky was gung-ho.
When Chunky confessed he loved being known as Ananya Pandey’s father, I felt deeply moved.
Chunky further added, “I am the son of two doctors. Mera Pitaji heart surgeon they, meri mummy doctor thi aur meri mummy poore film industry ko jaanti thi. (My father was a heart surgeon, my mother a doctor, and she knew everyone in the film industry).”
He doesn’t mind being called a nepo kid. This is a man who doesn’t take the trappings of stardom seriously.
Between the two Aankhen co-stars, it was Chunky who came across as simpler, humbler, funnier. Not that Govinda got left behind. At a time when he is diligently avoiding the press, Govinda chose to be the best version of himself, an open book, on the show.
Ah, one more thing: Kajol’s dress sense has improved.
Also Read: Two much with Kajol & Twinkle review: Star wives bring uproarious fun
