Ajay not daunted by Kajol

It is commonly said that men cannot cope with a successful spouse. So how does Ajay Devgan handle the constant media adulation that wife Kajol receives?

Many heroes may ignore the accomplishments of their actress-wives but not Ajay. "He truly loves Kajol and that is why he gives her enough space to be a star in her own right," said a source close to Ajay.

In Bollywood, most popular actresses are known to have played it safe by bidding adieu to glitz and glamour after tying the knot with co-stars. Be it the hugely popular Nargis or the immensely talented Jaya Bhaduri, they preferred domesticity to showbiz.

But for the last seven years, Kajol has been balancing her career and her personal life with ease. These days she is frequently spotted in glossies. Rated as one of the most talented actresses in Hindi filmdom, Kajol is hogging the limelight for her come back movie "Fanaa", releasing Friday. This is her first film after her daughter Nysa's birth.

Not just the film's plot, but Kajol's pairing with Aamir Khan too is the most discussed topic in filmdom. Everybody seems to be talking about it except Ajay. So is it jealousy that has sealed his lips?

"No, not at all. Ajay is not daunted by Kajol's popularity. He is a self-made man and does what he believes in. He also gets good offers from big banners but he gives preference to substantial roles than potboilers," the source added.

It is true that both of them belong to different schools of thought when it comes to selecting roles - Kajol prefers to be part of Yash Chopra and Karan Johar's typical masala flicks which are a sure-shot hit at the box office.

But Ajay, who has evolved as an actor in the last decade, gives preference to substance over saleability and has proved his mettle with "Zakhm", "Company", "GangaaJal", "Bhoot" and "Apaharan". The two National Awards prove that Ajay is a good performer in his own right.

If in professional life Ajay lets his work speak for himself, he keeps his personal life away from media glare. Initially gossipmongers tried to ruin their marriage with loose talk but he chose to ignore it and that helped.

"Ajay is a very private person and even in his day-to-day life he doesn't make any comments on his wife," informed the source.

There is another belief that men become worried and depressed if they have a successful partner and as a result their career flounders. But Ajay's career has flourished in leaps and bounds since he married Kajol.

In fact, "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", which released after his marriage, marked a turning point in his career.

Ajay and Kajol's pairing might not have worked on the big screen but they are enjoying a successful marriage, a rarity in the showbiz. They are definitely setting an example for other actors.

"With people in the industry too, he enjoys long-term relationships. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and he does not believe in showing off," said the source.