Ajay Devgn who began his career doing angry hero roles gradually moved to romance and comedy. Today he is one of the most versatile actors known for his powerful screen presence and dialogue delivery. The actor talks about trying his hand at different genres and what family means to him.
The past year seemed good for you with two successful releases Bol Bachchan and Son Of Sardaar .
As far as the success is concerned, I worked really hard. However, there were a lot of things that I didn’t want to do … but had no choice.
Are you in a happy place?
I am happy and content.
When you get up in the morning, what excites you more — going to shoot a comedy or an action film?
A comedy after an action film, and an action film after a comedy. I get bored doing the same thing. I will continue to do different genres. Himmatwala is not just an action-comedy, there’s drama too. I also have Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha , which is in a zone I wanted to get back to.
You will be working with Amitabh Bachchan after a long time in Satyagraha .
He keeps you on your toes. You realise you are working with a fabulous actor. I won’t say I am intimidated by him because I have known him as a kid. In fact there’s a comfort zone; he has a knack of making you comfortable.
Sajid Khan, who is directing you in Himmatwala , is known for making comedies; but the original was an action film.
There was a lot of comedy in the original Himmatwala too. Sajid’s comic forte and the madness he brings to the table is very much there in the film. He’s got a wacky sense of humour.
I believe he has made you speak in several languages for the film.
Sajid wanted me to speak in six different languages. I thought one line in each language is no big deal so took it very easy. But when I reached the set, they gave me four lines in each language! Bengali and Gujarati were not difficult but speaking in Telugu and Tamil was. However, when you have to do it, you have to do it. It was fun.
What has been the most difficult thing you have had to do in a film?
(After much pondering) Even today when I am giving a shot — be it simple or difficult — I have a fear — will it turn out right? I am happy with that fear, because it keeps me going; I don’t take things for granted. That fear exists because there’s an attempt to better yourself.
Which are your other films on the anvil?
Singham 2 will release next year. We are planning to start the shoot around October-November this year. Prabhudeva’s film, which is still being scripted, will have hardcore action.
Does your daughter Nysa comment on your films?
Yes, and they are very strong comments. But if she doesn’t like something, she has an explanation for it too. She has practically become my barometer of success for any song — be it from my film or anyone else’s. If she likes, it works; and if she dislikes the songs, it doesn’t.
Bollywood News Service
