Ajay Devgan

Despite being tagged as a macho and intense hero, Ajay Devgan has essayed a variety of roles this year. Moving on from the desperate Ajay Shastri in the hard-hitting 'Apaharan' to the simple Gopal in the rib-tickling 'Golmaal' and the vengeful Omi Shukla in Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Omkara', he's doing it all.

"Each of these roles gives me a thrill," says Ajay, who adds that choosing a film has always been a spontaneous decision for him. "It all depends on who the director is. I have to know that he is capable of handling the film. It is not really a conscious decision to work only with certain directors, but as long as I feel that I can trust the person's capabilities, I'm game."

While insisting that big banners don't really matter to him, Ajay points out that he needs to be absolutely sure that the production company can sell the film. "These days the promotion and marketing of a film have become as important as, perhaps, the script itself."

About Ashtavinayak Films' 'Golmaal' releasing next week, Ajay says it has his kind of humour. "It's a really funny film. It's not about people making faces to make the audience laugh — the script is funny and the situations even funnier."

In the movie, Ajay repeats a stunt he did for his debut film 'Phool Aur Kante' — standing astride two moving bikes. "When I did it 15 years ago, it was really easy. But this time it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I guess things change with age."

Does he think he's matured with age? "Yes I have, but I can't explain how," he smiles. As for playing real life son, husband and father, he says, "I have been really lucky. It's been easy going for me all my life. I have a lovely family, great parents, a wonderful wife and an adorable daughter."

Which of the three has made him more responsible? "Each role comes with its own kind of responsibility. But after becoming a father, I have started working towards making my daughter's future secure, something I wasn't so bothered about earlier. Also, I have cut down my work so that I can spend more time with Nysa." Wife Kajol would certainly approve.