A bunch of scribes (including me) are part of a group interview of Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn at a suburban hotel. After his funny turn at the movies in Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal Again, which crossed the Rs 200 crore mark, the National Award winner is now focusing on his next release, Raj Kumar Gupta’s Raid, which is based on a true event.
The actor looked cool and composed. When we get five minutes with him, we use it to quiz him on a few things of interest. As he draws deeply on something called vape (an innocuous brass pipe filled with vegetable oil) because he quit smoking a few months ago, he smiles and explains, “I need to do something with my hands. If you have been a chain-smoker, like I was, you get fidgety after giving up cigarettes. So now, I’m blowing smoke rings with this vape. I’m going to give this up, too, soon.” Cool, we say. And then, go on to ask:
Has kicking the butt affected your appetite?
No, not really. As you can see, I haven’t put on any weight. In fact, I’m on a maintenance regime. I intend to buff up for my next film, Taanaji. But that is still a couple of months down the line. In the meanwhile, I’m doing regular workouts to maintain my current physique. Nothing strenuous, but a more sincere exercise routine.
Has your sleeping pattern been affected?
Initially, it had. However now, I’m okay. Most nights, I sleep like a baby (smiles).
You haven’t smoked a single cigarette in the last couple of months?
On the contrary, I have. But now, I’m confident of taking a few drags and chucking a cigarette away. I’ve definitely got a grip on my smoking habit, but once a smoker, always a smoker. I just hope I do not become a heavy smoker ever again.
So, your next film is titled Raid. Were you ever raided?
Yes, of course. I remember one helluva long raid that happened at my office back in the ’90s. I wasn’t in town, but yes, I knew about it. And, then two days later, they didn’t find anything.
Are realistic films like Raid, the order of the day?
I don’t think movies follow any pattern or formula. There are just good films and bad films. The genre doesn’t matter as long as it has something ‘entertaining’ to offer.
During Golmaal Again, everyone asked me whether madcap comedies were the order of the day. I remember replying then that a happy and healthy mix of genres is the way ahead. I still maintain that. Sometimes you do a
serious film, sometimes you do a comedy.
Does Kajol criticise your work?
No, she doesn’t have the guts to (he jokes), but my daughter, Nysa, does. She is my harshest critic. She doesn’t spare me.
With Women’s Day round the corner, do you have anything to say about the women in your life?
I’m fortunate to have grown up surrounded by strong women. I wouldn’t be half the man I am had it not been for the contribution of my mother and my two sisters, all of whom are fantastic. And now, I have Kajol, who is independent and every inch her own person. Nysa, too, is showing signs of becoming an independent, strong-minded person. I respect women and I think that International Women’s Day is just a day for men to remember that women are/will always be as strong as them if not stronger. Their strength needs to be
celebrated every day of the year.
The Khans (Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh), Akshay (Kumar) and you have withstood the onslaught of the younger actors, right?
Well, we are lucky. Our fan base is strong. I also think we have worked hard to be where we are.
What do have to say about the younger lot?
They are focused and talented. Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh are terrific.
