Happy Birthday to Ajay Devgan!

Happy Birthday Ajay Devgn: The rise of the actor in pictures

As Ajay Devgn turns 48 today, we trace down his journey from being an undisputed action hero to his rise as a superstar.

Tall, Dark and Handsome- there is just one person in B-Town who fit in these criterias perfectly and he is none other than superstar Ajay Devgn. Considered as one of the most versatile actors on the block, Ajay's life has been nothing short of a warrior. The two-time National Film Awards winner actor never shies away from taking things head on. He was even bestowed with the country's fourth civilian award Padma Shri last year for his contribution to the field of cinema.

He doesn't hesitate from calling a spade, a spade and doesn't care much about people sticking around. Despite having very few friends in the industry, he has been able to carve a niche for himself all because of his hard work, dedication, and zeal.

Today, as the superstar celebrates his 48th birthday, we trail down his extraordinary life through pictures:

1. Born on April 2, 1969, Ajay entered this glamorous world as a child artist in 1985 film Pyari Behna. However, it was the 1991 film Phool Aur Kaante that gave him the much-needed recognition. Post the release, he immediately became the heartthrob of the nation. It is said that when everyone had written this star off, it was only Jaya Bachchan who saw the potential in Ajay.

2. After Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, if anyone else could carry forward the league of playing the angry young man with perfection, it was Ajay. At the time when everyone was trying to become a romantic hero, Ajay established himself as the undisputed king of action with his 1994 film Vijaypath. It must be noted that action comes naturally to him as Ajay's father Veeru Devgan is one of the leading action directors of Bollywood.

3. What many couldn't understand or see was Ajay's potential to play a romantic hero, but director Anees Bazmee was a visionary. With his 1998 film, Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha, opposite now wife Kajol, he proved everyone wrong as the film was the highest-grossing films of that year.

4. The year 1999 brought about a tide-pool change in his life. This is the year he got married to Kajol in a true Maharashtrian style wedding.

5. Also, it was in this year that Mahesh Bhatt's Zakhm featuring Ajay released which won him his first National Award. Within 3 years, Ajay through his exemplary work in Rajkumar Santoshi's period drama The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (2002) went on to bag his second National Award.

With movies like Gangajal, Golmaal, Omkara, Rajneeti, Singham, Drishyam and Shivaay in his kitty, Ajay Devgn amidst all odds managed to consolidate his position in this industry.

Here's wishing Ajay, a very Happy Birthday!