Ten years ago, I’d have probably broken the law: Ajay Devgn

Ajay Devgn gets candid about his upcoming film 'Singham Returns' and what it’s like to be in a cop’s shoes

Ten years ago, I'd have probably broken the law: Ajay Devgn

Ajay Devgn

The first instalment in the Singham franchise did well. What’s new this time around?
Ajay Devgn: The central character is similar and the way he operates is also similar. But in Singham Returns, we have kept the character a lot more real; here he gets beaten up as well. It’s easy for him to operate in a small city, but to get things done in Mumbai is a bigger problem. Achieving a solution here is that much more difficult, but he does what is expected of him.

Ajay Devgn

What was it like to play a Mumbai police officer?
AD: Our aim was to show the cops in a good light. It’s not just my role; there are other actors who are playing cops in the film and they all play positive characters in the film. We have also highlighted their problems.

Do you think real-life cops get inspired by on-screen cops’ style and mannerisms?
AD: Yes, I have seen that happen; it’s nice. Today, we see a new breed of cops — they speak good English, their attitude towards work is different. Fifteen years ago, when you went to the police station, they were not easily approachable. But today, that’s not the case; they are more than willing to hear your problems and they show empathy.

You have been associated with the Mumbai police for a long time...
AD: Well, they seem to have a lot of respect for me and my work; it does makes me feel good about myself. This is another reason why I try not to break any law because I don’t want to be in a situation where a man, who’s played Singham and has campaigned for the Mumbai police, is found on the wrong side of the law. I don’t want to be caught doing anything wrong — not even something like drinking and driving. Ten years ago, I’d have probably broken the law, but today I wouldn’t do it. In fact, I was the first one to get rid of tinted windows and the Mumbai police gave me a letter of appreciation for the same.

If you were to work for the Mumbai police, what are the things that you’d change in the city?
AD: Working for the police is easier said than done. It’s a really difficult job; one needs to know and understand the city’s problems. Only then can I answer this question.

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