Unruffled as he faces another box-office clash, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn says industry sees him as 'rebel' only because he speaks his mind. Read his exclusive interview with mid-day
Ajay Devgn. Pic/Datta Kumbhar
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There is something about box-office clashes and Ajay Devgn. The actor's last film, Shivaay locked horns with Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Now, his upcoming film Baadshaho is pitted against Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar-starrer Shubh Mangal Savdhan. Once he emerges from this clash, he will again have to battle it out with Aamir Khan as his Golmaal 4 releases alongside the latter's Secret Superstar.
Most actors in his place would be crying foul already. But, Devgn says matter-of-factly, "Box office clashes don't matter. It has become common and happens with almost every film. It's just that some people voice their opinions, while others don't."
Point out to him that he had voiced his dissatisfaction when his Shivaay clashed with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil — a gesture that many in Bollywood saw as an act of rebellion — and he reasons, "I am not a rebel if I voice my opinion against a wrong practice. I am honest with myself, I speak my mind and say what the truth is. I have never played the victim card and will never do that, as I am strong enough to face the situation."
The actor is aware that in an industry that thrives on pandering, his I-don't-give-a-damn attitude may have cost him friends.
"I don't feel the need to be diplomatic. I am happy the way I am. As long as I know I am right, I care a damn," he says, as he cracks a rare smile.
Also see: The biggest box office clashes in Bollywood
Ajay Devgn, who has clocked 26 years in the industry, rues that when he started out, the industry was close-knit, an aspect that has changed dramatically over the years. "Filmmaking and films have just become a business. Now, it's about work rather than relationships," he says, adding that the new generation has an entirely different approach towards the profession. "They are emotional but, at the same time, very practical, because of which they are constantly evolving. Maybe I can't be like them, but that doesn't make them wrong."
As the conversation veers to his upcoming release, Baadshaho, he reveals that the idea of the film germinated almost 20 years back. "Milan [Luthria] discussed the story when we were working on Kachche Dhaage [1999]. It's kind of based on a true story. I really liked it and it was then itself that I had given my nod, but we both decided to develop the story further. Milan rigorously worked for a year-and-a-half to crack the story."
Apart from acting, Devgn is also juggling the roles of a director and producer. Keen to expand his production house, he is producing a film starring Sanjay Dutt and Farhan Akhtar. "Both Sanjay and Farhan have loved the script and have given their nod. Nishikanth Kamath will direct it. We intend to go on floors by the end of the year."
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