FILM INTERVIEW: AJAY DEVGN
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Brooding Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn is back on the big screen for the fourth time in 2010, this time in the highly anticipated action adventure of Priyadarshan’s Aakrosh. Also starring Bipasha Basu, Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, and Reema Sen, Aakrosh finally hits screens on October 15th after a two-week delay due to the Ayodhya verdicts. Featuring a plot delving into the lives of a lower-cast villager and his two friends who go missing, Ajay plays one of two investigating officers who seeks to discover the truth.
Dominating Bollywood recently with films such as Rajneeti and Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, Ajay is doing quite well in keeping up with his actress wife Kajol, herself drawing big box office numbers in My Name is Khan and We Are Family. The male half of the Bollywood power couple sat down with Buzzine Bollywood’s Neha Sarin-Malhotra to talk about his role in Aakrosh and his well-respected film career:
Neha Sarin-Malhotra: You come from a very humble background. What was your initial impression and memory of Indian cinema?
Ajay Devgn: I have grown up in the industry. Earlier, it had a far more homely feel; the competition was not so fierce. A lesser number of films were made, and people would wait for a film to release, unlike today when you, at times, don’t even get to know. Film journalism was also different. You could count the (journalists) on your fingers. Today, media has become an ocean. The business of cinema is getting complex by the day.
NSM: You are a very unpredictable actor. How do you constantly evolve or reinvent yourself?
AD: You really think I’m unpredictable? On the contrary, I feel my career has been quite stable, and I have never really joined the bandwagon of rat race. I have worked at my own pace and terms. At the end of the day, you need to be at peace with yourself. The key to evolution is picking a fresh script every time, and the rest falls in place. Since I get bored doing the same stuff over and over again, I space out the genres so I don’t burn out.
NSM: What was your reaction when you first heard your role? What made you sign this film?
AD: I haven’t done a hardcore action film in a while now. The subject was absolutely fresh and thought-provoking. The script was a thoroughbred action entertainer. Besides, I have always been confident in Priyan.
NSM: How do you balance out the commercial cinema with parallel/realistic/believable cinema?
AD: To my mind, there are just two kinds of films: good films and bad films. I only focus on the story, script, and my role. I don’t get into this great divide because, ultimately, if you have told your story well, your job is done.
NSM: You have also worked with some of the finest names — Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Praskash Jha, Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bhardwaj… What have you learned about cinema from each of them?
AD: Can’t pin-point — it’s a process of learning and growth. All of them have their own styles, so ultimately you gather an information bank. How you synthesize this information and apply it is up to you.
NSM: Tell us about your role in Priyadarshan’s Aakrosh. What made you sign the film?
AD: It is a high-voltage action entertainer. I have tried some unique stunts in this film. The overall experience was rewarding, and now…fingers crossed.
NSM: You have experimented with various forms of cinema. How did the constant need for reinventing yourself come about?
AD: It’s the sheer boredom factor. I could not have shot comedy, action, or anything else back to back. I would feel that I would be repeating myself.
NSM: You are one of the most celebrated actors today, with two National Awards to your name. Was it a conscious effort to choose critical acclaim over commercial fame?
AD: By God’s grace, I have been lucky to get into both. This year has been big for me. Atithi, Raajneeti, and Once Upon have all done phenomenally well at the box office. Besides, I think you can choose neither — both critical acclaim and box office returns are results of hard work, and some amount is destiny.
NSM: In this line of work, who do you admire the most, and what roles would you kill for?
AD: The list is unending. I can really settle for any one — Amitji, Dilip Saab… Our industry has seen some really gifted actors. Roles… I think I’m yet to come across that role, but I don’t think I can kill for anything.
NSM: You and Kajol seem poles apart, which explains the chemistry. But what keeps you both in sync with each other?
AD: We respect each other as individuals and give each other space. I guess that works.
NSM: You have been in the industry for almost 20 years. Tell us about the most important lessons you have learned so far…
AD: Never get overjoyed with success or bitterly demoralized with failures. Just do your bit, ’cause there is a place for everyone.
NSM: What’s your favorite part about fatherhood? Are you excited to do boy stuff with your son now?
AD: I’m glad we sailed through these months and that God has given me a healthy baby, and Kajol is also in good stead. We take one day at a time. Right now it is fun and celebrations at home, so we are all enjoying it.
NSM: In your long, illustrious career, which has been the most rewarding role for you?
AD: I can’t settle for any one.
NSM: Are you excited working with Akshaye Khanna after Deewangi?
AD: Akshaye is a good actor, and it has always been a great experience working with him.
NSM: You are returning to action after a long time with Aakrosh. How did you decide on it?
AD: Role, script, director.
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