Ajay Devgn: Kajol was very happy about my Padma, she also has one

The Devgns are now a Padma Shri couple - Kajol got hers in 2011 and Ajay received his in Delhi on Monday. Landing in Delhi at 2am, the sleep-deprived actor spoke to BT right after the ceremony.

The stock question: Toh kaisa lag raha hai aap ko?
It's always a fabulous feeling when you are awarded for the work you have done. More so jab desh ki taraf se samman milta hai. You feel that jo bhi chhota mota kaam aap ne kiya hai us ki thodi bahut recognition mili hai. Lekin iss ko main chhota mota nahi kahoonga, kyunki jab aapko aap ke desh ki government koi samman deti hai toh woh aap ke liye sab se bada samman hota hai.

See, anything that happens, some people will agree with it, some will criticise it. It's not something that is happening for the first time. Not just in awards, in anything. I wouldn't know how to comment on this. It is fair if some people have an opinion on an issue and they have the right to air it.

What was Kajol's reaction when she first got to know of this?

Of course, she was very happy " she also has one!

Most awards and felicitations which actors attend are all about the cine industry. There aren't too many where they are part of the larger social system, are there?Yes, and that is the good part of it. Today, when I was sitting amongst so many people who were being awarded, it was not just the film industry, it was people from all across the country. Sportspersons, charity workers, doctors... You feel nice that you are standing amongst people who are doing very good work and who are being recognised for it. I was chatting with a few of them. I met Deepika Kumari, the archer " she was the youngest Padma winner today, I think she is just 21.
We'd heard that you may not be able to make it for the felicitation ceremony because of 'Shivaay's shooting.
Luckily, the shooting finished on schedule, in fact before schedule. I could manage. I couldn't attend the rehearsal, but managed to be present for the actual event. In fact, I landed at 2 am in Delhi to be present here today; I have barely slept. From minus 20 degrees to landing in Delhi is quite a change. I have been away for three months and can't wait to go home. Am taking a flight shortly.