COVER STORY
action sequences, besides the fact that it
will be lavishly mounted. It is definitely
one film to watch out for.
We are told that there are other
sequels too in the offing, besides
‘Golmaal 3’?
The only one that we are in the
process of planning is a sequel to ‘All the
Best’ but let’s see when it happens.
There was a time when you were
keen on taking up only 1-2 films a
year. Yet you ended up having four
releases last year. Are you now
open to handling multiple projects
at a time?
That was not the first time that I did
multiple projects. I have done 3-4 films
earlier too but their releases were evenly
spaced out. The films I had for release
last year were all lined up one after
the other. I had no say in the matter so
there was very little I could do about it.
I generally try to avoid having releases
in continuous succession. I am sure this
won’t happen next year.
What is your criterion for selecting
a film?
I take a decision on a film only after I
am convinced about the story, screenplay
and the director. Once I have made up
my mind, there is no looking back or
rethinking about the prospects of the
film. Even otherwise, no one can predict
the fate of a film at the box-office. As
actors, all we can do is give our best shot
to the films we take up.
The general perception in the trade
is that your are exclusive to a few
makers including Rohit Shett and
Kumar Mangat, besides your own
production house. Your comment.
That’s not really true. I have no such
favourites or group loyalty. It is already
a known fact that I am working with
He ruled the box-office in 2010
He has had an enviable run at the box-office last year,
with four of his films
raking rich returns.
According to a leading
distributor from North
India, Ajay made the
highest contribution to
the box-office in a year
that saw merely 12 hits
out of 130 odd films.
Trade gurus point out
that the previous year
was landmark for him
both professionally and
personally, with him
winning rave reviews for
‘Raajneeti’, ‘Once Upon
A Time in Mumbai’,
‘Aakrosh’ and ‘G-3’,
besides bringing in huge
returns. In fact the news
goes that Ajay, whose
name now features in
the super league of stars,
has now double his
remuneration. Also, he is still not ready to sign films unless
he is convinced about their potential.
Priyadarshan in ‘Tezz’, Milan Luthria and
Madhur Bhandarkar in ‘Dil To Baccha
Hai Ji’. As I just mentioned, I take a call
on a film after looking at its script. I like
to work on different scripts and makers.
It all depends on who can come up with
the best script and best film.
Tell us about your next ‘Dil Toh
Bachcha Hai Ji’. The film is said
to be an out and out comedy on the
lines of comedies that you have do
so far.
‘Dil To…’ is not a slapstick comedy,
as most people would conclude. It’s a
light-hearted film with lots of emotions.
The film is about the new-age characters
and the problems that the youth face
in today’s times. I was surprised that
Madhur could make such a whacky
Not surprisingly, Ajay starrers are considered a sure
shot bet by distributors at the box-office these days. More
Toonpur Ka Superherro – Average
JANUARY 18, 2011, AUCKLAND
comedy considering his success in issue-
based films. The film in effect is a story
of three friends and how love plays havoc
in their lives. I play the character of a
30-year old divorcee called Naren Ahuja,
whose life goes topsy-turvy after he falls
for a girl in his office.
Madhur has had a strong
background of directing heroine-
oriented films? How was the
experience working with him?
Madhur is a national award winner
and a great director in his own right.
I don’t think anyone can understand
women as well as Madhur can. The film
is about three heroes each having his own
stand. Like the caption of the film reads
‘Love grows... Men don’t’. I think that’s
perfect for Madhur. It was fun doing the
recently, Ajay walked out
of Firoz Nadiadwala’s
most ambitious project,
‘Power’. The decision
was made by Ajay soon
after Golmaal-3 struck
gold at the box-office.
Reportedly, Ajay heard
the narration of the script
and felt that his role in
the film had shades of
‘Lajja’, the film he had
done with Santoshi a
decade ago.
Ajay’s filmography in
2010
Golmaal 3 -
Blockbuster
Raajneeti - Superhit
Once Upon A Time
In Mumbaai - Hit
Atithi Tum Kab
Jaoge - Semi Hit
Aakrosh - Flop
06
film.
Do you feel comfortable doing
comedies more than anything
else?
Not necessarily. For some reason,
comedies keep coming to me again and
again, though I am comfortable in all the
three genres- comedy, action or romance.
The first big challenge in comedy films is
the comic timing of an actor. Apart from
this, getting into the skin of the character
is also important.
Do you think you will be able to
pull off stunts on the lines of the
bike action scenes that you first
attempted in your debut film,
‘Phool Aur Kaante’?
Why not? Let’s not forget that my
father Veeru Devgan has been a famous
action director, who introduced me
to action at a very young age. Doing
daredevil stunts is nothing new to me.
For me, all it takes to do a tough action
scene is a few months of practice and I
am ready.
What next? Any plans to direct
again?
I am planning a dark comic thriller
this time and Kajol is unlikely to be a part
of this one. However, I may be able to talk
about it officially only after some time. I
first want to complete all my films before
starting work on it. I cannot handle too
much clutter at the same time.
How does it feel to become a dad
once again?
It’s exciting. Now that Nysa is a little
more independent, it is Yug who needs
more attention. He is hardly two months
old. I am looking forward to doing some
action with him as he grows up.
By Sharmishta T (Rewritten by R
Manishaa)