 Three flops in a row, Ajay Devgan has still got his
disarming smile. The critically acclaimed Bollywood hero,
whose Apaharan has been released recently,
bares his heart to Vickey Lalwani
Apaharan is set against a Bihar backdrop. Have you
adopted your normal look in the film?
No. I have changed my hairstyle, especially in the first
half where I have oiled and back combed my hair.
Are you Prakash Jha’s favourite?
(Smiles) I am sure he won’t select me if he finds me not
suitable to his requirement.
What is Apaharan all about?
It is the story of a complex relationship between a father
(Mohan Agashe) and son (myself) set against the backdrop of
a thriving kidnapping industry in the heartland of Bihar.
Things seem to have slipped a bit on your front, maybe
since the days of Khakee. Was playing an out-n-out
negative a wise decision?
I am an actor. That role excited me and I did it. I found
the other characters in the film to be quite clichéd.
A section of the people thought that Ajay shouldn’t have
played all black...
(Interrupts) I did get female fan mail condemning that
portrayal. But my male fans loved the fact that I gave a
tough time to the other heroes in the film.
Was Insaan a mistake?
Yeah.
How did the mistake happen?
Certain films are done due to relationships and midway you
realize that they aren’t working out. I think that I have
answered your question.
Was Blackmail too a mistake?
No. Blackmail flopped for another reason. The film
got delayed and by the time it released, times had changed.
These things happen. I can’t back out from my commitment
where my producer is paying huge interest rates (pauses).
Should you have done a film like Zameer ?
Zameer is not a bad film. It has been promoted badly.
Go on...
At this point of time, it has become very important that an
actor chooses the right producer. He should be one who has
the ability to hold the film and do aggressive publicity.
The director and the script can be taken into consideration
later.
 Even Raincoat flopped?
Not exactly. I think the producer made money. Remember the
fact that it was made in Rs 3 crore only.
You mean to say you reduced your market price for
Raincoat ?
Of course, I did. It is a myth that all established actors
charge unreasonably high rates. If I am charged about a
film, I may not charge a penny.
You have been an actor, director, producer and
distributor. What do you enjoy the most?
My moods keep changing. Right now, I want to take a break
from acting for two months (smiles). For your information, I
am getting ready to produce a film.
Why don’t you do stage shows? Is stage fright one reason?
Stage fright could be one reason. On second thoughts, I
don’t think I have stage fright. I can do a good play if I
want. It’s just that stage shows and I don’t go together. I
hate dancing and jumping on stage for extra bucks. I did
walk the ramp recently, but that was for a charity cause.
How about dancing in weddings?
(Interrupts) Even hundred years ago, there were a section of
people who were meant to do that. The situation has not
changed. A segment from actors fraternity believes that they
are a part of that dancer troupe. So they do it. I don’t
think that way. So I don’t dance in weddings.
You don’t even attend award ceremonies. Why?
I don’t believe in awards. So why should I drag my feet?
Only a national award matters to me.
(Courtesy: The Tribune, Chandigarh, India) |
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