Ajay Devgan opening up!

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Posted: 19 years ago

Interview : Ajay Devgan opening up!

Ajay Devgan is not a general and conventional actor. You can gauge this with his looks, thoughts and films. He has established himself in the industry in his own rights, in spite of all the odds and has made his mark as a good actor in both parallel and commercial cinema. And he has as well been balancing his personal life with ease. Here's an exclusive chat with him on his films and family.

Excerpts from a chat:

In this hot and humid weather what were you doing in Goa?

We were there to complete the shooting of Golmaal. Who bothers about the weather when you have so much fun! I was very excited because it was great fun shooting for the film there. (Lights his cigarette)

So you haven't given up your habit of smoking yet?

That's an answer better to avoid. I don't know how many cigarettes I smoke in a day, I tried to count but lost track in between. But one thing is there, smoking hasn't affected my health and I have lots of stamina. I run on the treadmill for hours at a stretch until my trainer tells me to come off it. (Laughs)

You've been seen in serious films of late and Golmaal is a welcoming change.

That's true. Also the film is a different comedy and not among the everyday kind here. I was in splits when I first heard the script. I avoid doing comedy because I don't prefer to work in slapstick comedies that look forced on your face. It's no point trying to create something out of nothing. I prefer doing situational comedies, as it is creative. I don't have the ability to make people laugh making faces.

That's the reason you prefer working on serious roles more?

There is nothing as such. I don't like to do the formulaic and the similar kind of films even if it works on my behalf. I just work in good or bad films. And that too depends on my mood in the morning. If I'm excited about getting up in the morning it means that I'm doing a good movie and if that is not the case then something is wrong with the film. That feeling comes often but you cannot help, as you're committed. I better try to relax not regretting knowing that I cannot do much about it. That's the reason I don't sit and sulk when the films fail.

Why are you so much against featuring in shows abroad?

Simply because I don't believe in shows. I feel it's disgusting to appear on stage and dance for money. But there is lots of money and I keep getting offers, but I avoid them.

But money is also important otherwise you wouldn't have featured in those mediocre films?

I can just say that like every human being I too make mistakes and sometimes I regret them and at times I don't. There are many times which I did film just for the sake of relationship and friends who were in need. But now I'm guarding not to repeat them again. I would rather prefer to be professional now.

You share a very good rapport with Prakash Jha?

Our relationship is on a different level altogether. I've also worked for some of the best films of my career with him like Gangajaal and Aparahan. He is one filmmaker I'm proud to be associated with. We'll be soon working on our next Rajniti.

You've a star wife at home, how do you handle her?

(Laughs) We've a very normal relationship of husband wife just like everybody else. Rather in home my wife is not the star, it's our daughter Nysa.

You're featuring in quite a few ads with Kajol.

We're doing some commercials but that's only 2 or 3. Initially I wasn't sure if I wanted to do them. Blame it on my laziness and uncomfortably. But once they started they kept going. It was challenging doing ads and so I started enjoying them. Within 5 seconds you've to deliver your best, put the correct expression and also look genuine.

After ads with Kajol, do you've plans to work with her in films?

I'm not sure about it yet as it's not easy for us to work together. The project has to be exciting enough to excite us both at the same time. Which husband and wife share the same passion and interest (laughs)? If something works out then it is good and if it doesn't there is nothing to complain. I'm not very much keen to work with her.