By Uma Ramasubrmanian
His last film “Himmatwala” bombed at the box office, but Ajay Devgn, who has been part of the industry for over two decades, says a flop can’t take a toll on his career.
“One flop film doesn’t affect you as you are not running short of good films. People also know that film didn’t do well, but the actor has been accepted for so many years, so it happens. It’s part of the game,” said Ajay who entered Bollywood in 1991 with “Phool Aur Kaante”.
In the meantime, the National Award-winning actor considers himself lucky for being accepted in both serious as well as comedy films.
He said: “I consider myself lucky as there are hardly any other actors who can do a balance of both. I feel lucky that audiences have accepted me in both kinds of films. So it gives me a lot of satisfaction.”
The actor-producer has been part of massy and classy films like comedy “Golmaal Series” as well as films like “Zakhm”, “Company” and “GangaaJal”.
But when it comes to choosing films, Ajay has his own yardstick. He feels with stardom comes responsibility and that is why he has decided to avoid being part of vulgar cinema.
“I have decided not to do any vulgar films after ‘Rascals’…I believe many stars are not doing that,” Ajay told IANS in an interview.
“It’s okay if a newcomer or young kids make it because they don’t have an image, but stars have an image and children’s also identifies with it. So, if they do it, it goes wrong,” he added.
More so because his films are now being seen by his daughter Nysa.
“My daughter is my biggest critic. She comes and tells me, you were not interested in that song. Why were you dancing when you were not interested? She passes such genuine comments,” said Ajay who is married to actress Kajol and have two children with her – Nysa and son Yug.
Currently busy promoting political drama “Satyagraha”, he likes to do aggressive films.
“ ‘Satyagraha’ is a great balance between keeping it realistic at the same time making it commercial. (Director) Prakash Jha is good at it. I like doing aggressive films and this film had that aggression and it targets youth.
Today’s youth is concerned about what is happening. Earlier, there were no candle light marches. Today, things have changed and they (the youth) react to it and are not depending on the government,” he said.
When it comes to admiring youth, Ajay also appreciates new breed of actors in filmdom for their their professionalism and clarity of thoughts.
“You need to be professional. At times we do films because of our relationship and we suffer, but new lot doesn’t want to do that. They are professionals and I like it,” the 44-year-old said.
In “Satyagraha”, Ajay will be seen sharing the screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor when it will come out Aug 30.
