Hit Machine

Ashwini Deshmukh tells you why Ajay Devgn is a superstar for all seasons

He’s self-confessedly uncomfortable around people. There’s no obvious attempt to stay in the news or play to the gallery either. Nor is there any insecurity about competition. He’d rather let his work do the talking. Three decades in the industry and Ajay Devgn continues to enjoy the trust of filmmakers and the loyalty of his fans. His latest film, director Akiv Ali’s romantic comedy De De Pyaar De, minted money at the box-office. A story about a 50-yearold man, who falls in love with a 25-year-old girl, this Luv Ranjan production was lapped up by the audience. Ajay had no qualms about playing his age in the film. “I try my best to play my age on screen. You’ll never see me playing a 25-year-old,” he says adding, “Also, the age of us actors is no longer a secret in today’s time. Our birthdays are celebrated by the media and fans.”

He debuted as an action star in Phool Aur Kaante (1991) and since then many films have cashed in on his rugged appeal. But even when he attempts romance, he has a million hearts melting. Like in De De Pyaar De. Says he, “The story is new-age and in sync with the times. The women characters are strong. The film has a good message and is entertaining.” Tabu and he go a long way beginning from the musical Vijaypath (1994). “With Tabu, there’s a comfort level. We understand each other and we can say anything to each other. Our chemistry works on screen too,” he claims. He praises his young co-star Rakul Preet Singh for doing justice to her modern character, someone who’s both intelligent and indulgent.