RE: Interviews - 2

“Cooking Relaxes Me" - October 25, 2007

Ajay Devgan on rustling up the perfect biryani, turning director and being his daughter’s favourite

You’ve been out of circulation for ages, what’s been keeping you so busy?
I was busy directing my film, U, Me Aur Hum. My cellphone was off all this while since I didn’t want any distractions. Now that the shooting is over, you’ll again see me doing ads and films. Right now I’m shooting for Sunday and it’s good fun.

But your cell is constantly off. Can an actor afford to do this in such competitive times?
Why not? It’s my choice. That’s the way I’ve always been.

But you agree that you’re the least written-about actor in B-Town?
What can I say to that? I’ve always been like this. I’m very lazy. I don’t like giving interviews. It takes me months to prepare myself mentally for one interview. I can’t just sit and talk about anything under the sun. I only talk when I’ve something to say about a film I truly, genuinely believe is good.

How do you explain the debacle of Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag?
First let me say that all of us went wrong with ..Aag. It’s not fair to saddle Ramu with all the blame. The intention of making the film was not wrong but sometimes things are not in your control. I still maintain that the decision to make ..Aag was right. I stand by the film.

Do you also stand by Cash?
Cash is another matter altogether. It was an incomplete film. I regret doing this film. I made a mistake by agreeing to be a part of the set-up. There was no passion in making the film. Filmmaking is all about ease but there was none on the sets of Cash. The makers just wanted to release the film. The people who bought the film should sue them since the film was incomplete, it didn’t even have a climax. The producer (Sohail Maklai) was also thrown out of the film. I wonder how can that happen? Cash has been a bitter experience.

Do you feel like taking responsibility for bad films especially since your loyal audience base sees a film only because it stars you?
Exactly. That’s why I regret doing Cash. I assure my audience that from now on I’ll be more careful with my film choices. I mean, after Golmaal and Omkara, this is the last thing I needed.

Does winning two national awards put extra pressure while selecting a film?
It makes you more responsible, which is why you regret doing a film like Cash.

So tell me why did you decide to become a director?
I always wanted to direct. In fact I became an actor by default. I started as an assistant to Shekhar Kapur and also learnt editing. For U, Me Aur Hum, I came up with the idea, wrote the basic storyline and then got other writers to collaborate on it. I took a spontaneous decision to direct the film. But then that’s me. If I decide something in the night then by morning I do it.

One would have imagined that you’ll make an action film, but you are making a romantic film. Isn’t that strange?
(Smiles shyly) Well, I’ve tried to put into the film whatever I feel deep inside. I hope I’ve been able to convey what I wanted. I’ve not made a great film but I’ve tried to make an honest film. I think more or less I’ve succeeded in saying what I needed to say in a commercial format. U, Me Aur Hum is not a senseless film. The film involves a lot of fine print. I hope the audience can read between the lines and see the moments within a moment. If not that then I hope they get entertained.

Are you nervous?
Not at all. I’m always confident about what I do, whether it works or not is not in my hands. In my mind, I’ve managed to achieve what I set out to achieve with U, Me Aur Hum.

But are you a romantic person?
I really don’t know.

Arre then who will know?
Well, I think every person has some romance in him or her. Romance is not only with another person. It can be with a car, with work, with a cigarette. You know what I’m trying to say.

Hmm. Does your daughter Nysa know that you’re an actor?
Oh yes, she knows it. She watches my films. Even though I don’t want her to watch films one can’t avoid television these days. She knows every actor and is extremely aware for her age. The other day I was driving and she saw a banner ad of Sachin Tendulkar. Suddenly she said, “That’s Sachin.” I asked her if she knew who he was and she replied, “Yes, I know him. He sells biscuits.” (Laughs) So you see my daughter is pretty clever.

So who is her favourite actor?
Well if you ask her then she’ll say her father is her favourite.

What was it like directing your wife, Kajol?
It was very normal. We were not conscious of the fact that we’re married. We worked well.

Kajol recently said that you’re an amazing cook. What do you like to cook?
(Smiles) Cooking relaxes me. I can make anything from Chinese to Mughlai dishes. I can even make biryani. I picked it up from my dad. He is a great cook.

What’s your next release Halla Bol all about?
It’s a film where the main protagonist is a star. It’s about his mind and personality in the cut-throat world of films. I just saw the film recently and I think Rajkumar Santoshi has made a brilliant film. There is a lot of satisfaction I get after doing a film like this. It’s something to be proud of.

Is it true you’ll be acting in historicals like Ramayana and Ashoka, The Great?
Rajkumar Santoshi is planning things. Ashoka is a fantastic script. Let me make it very clear that there is no comparison with what was made earlier by Shah Rukh Khan. Our film starts after the Kalinga war when Ashoka the emperor decides to embrace Buddhism and becomes Ashoka, the great. It’s his journey towards greatness.

Your good friend Aamir Khan has also turned director with Taare Zameen Par. Did you guys share notes or something?
Actually we haven’t even spoken about this. But it’s a good coincidence of which you made me aware.

Any plans of turning a full-fledged director?
I really can’t say. Direction is all about inspiration. If I get inspired by another idea, I’ll do it otherwise I’m very happy acting in films with other capable directors.

Quelle: http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=17629[/b]

Halla Bol is not a communist film title

He played Othello in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Omkara and then opted to go all out in the comic caper Golmaal. And now Ajay Devgan, the versatile actor that he is, returns to serious cinema with Rajkumar Santoshi’s hard hitting film Halla Bol. Here in a chat with Indiatimes Movies, Ajay speaks about Halla Bol the film, director Rajkumar Santoshi and co-star Vidya Balan.

We begin by asking Ajay what Halla Bol is essentially all about.
“Halla Bol is about how an ordinary man becomes a star and how success changes him as an individual. He then has to fight for his rights.”

So how was it differently challenging to play the role of Sameer Khan alias Ashfaque?
“With the role of Ashfaque you had to be what you are and still not be what you are. But whatever Ashfaque does in the film, whether right or wrong, he does so with a clear cut conscience. And he does it even if he is winning or losing in life.”

Is there a social message in the film Halla Bol ?
“If you can say what you want to say in a commercial film then that is what gets you satisfaction. Halla Bol is all about what we as citizens can change. But we have not made this film with an intention in mind. The film is very special to all of us. We believe in the film. The films talks about a lot of issues but at the same time in a commercial format. The film is about a reel life hero who has worked very hard to achieve what he has.”

So what was it about Ashfaque or about the film that made him say yes to director Rajkumar Santoshi?
“Performance wise I had a lot of scope with the role of Ashfaque or Sameer Khan. The film has everything in it. The film is filled with humour, drama, action and romance. So I think Halla Bol is a film in totality.”

There are some who say that Halla Bol as a film is close to communalism. What do you have to say to that?
“Halla Bol is not a communist film title. Raise your voice which is the literal translation of it in English sounds good but I believe that there is no flaw with the title. Yes the protagonist of the film Ashfaque does retaliate but certainly not with temper. He does it with sensitivity.”

We asked Ajay what sort of preparation did he undergo for the role of Ashfaque?
“I have heard of stories of how actors in the 60’s or 70’s behaved and I have tried to draw the character of Ashfaque from there.”

So does Ashfaque have anything in common with the real Ajay?
“I don’t think the character has any shades of the real me. No, not at all. And neither do I think that I have changed as an actor post Halla Bol .”

Ajay Devgan was quick to play down any kinds of threat to Halla Bol with Shah Rukh Khan’s recently released Om Shanti Om which again is set in and around the film industry. Ajay would rather concentrate on his own film than worry about competition from someone else.
“Om Shanti Om is completely different from Halla Bol . I really believe in my film and I don’t need to think of any other film that will be competition to Halla Bol .”

Ajay and Vidya have been paired opposite each other for the first time. So what does the seasoned actor think of the new face that has become the talk of Bollywood in recent times.
“Vidya was always the first choice for the role of Sneha and after working with her I found her to be an extremely intelligent human being and a very professional person to work with.”

Considering that Ajay plays an aspiring actor in Halla Bol , we asked him whether he himself had to face tough times when he made his debut at a very young age.
“In real life I didn’t have to struggle at all. I was only 19 and was enjoying myself. I have been very lucky that I did not have to face hardships in the beginning of my career.”

Ajay Devgan has worked with director Rajkumar Santoshi on quite a few occasions earlier and they both share a good rapport. So it is natural that Ajay has a few words to say about Mr. Santoshi,
“Rajkumar Santoshi is a good friend of mine and he himself knows how much I admire him as a director. We have worked on a few films before and we know each other very well now. I don’t need to tell him how brilliant or how talented he is as a filmmaker because he knows how much I respect his work.”

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/News__Gossi...how/2538253.cms

Ajay on turning director and directing Kajol

It’s fair to say that Ajay Devgan’s best work has been under the baton of director Rajkumar Santoshi. They have done Lajja, The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Khakee together. In a few weeks from now Ajay will again be seen onscreen with Santoshi’s latest Halla Bol, which is being described as a Rang De Basanti kind of a wakeup-call movie. The actor is also giving finishing touches to his directorial debut, which stars Kajol as the leading lady. CNN-IBN Entertainment Editor Rajeev Masand talks movies with Ajay.

Your new film Halla Bol is your fourth film with Rajkumar Santoshi. How does he manage to bring the best in you every time?
He is a fantastic director and writer himself. If you say that my performances in his films are better then it’s because he is an actor himself. When he is narrating a scene he is actually performing it. And what’s scary then is whether I will be able to do it as well as he is doing it. He does it so honestly that he doesn’t even realise that he is performing. So, that makes all the difference.

Does he direct you better or does he give you better roles?
I guess it’s both. Roles are fantastic. I have a great role in Halla Bol. I think we share a rapport now wherein we understand each other really well. So that makes a difference. Maybe it’s because when you know an actor the writing is done accordingly.

You have also just turned director with the film You, Me and Hum. Was it the right time or the right film to turn director with?
Whenever you want to do something from your heart it is always the right time. That’s what I believe in. I also don’t plan too many things. If I feel like doing something then I go ahead and do it and don’t think about the consequences. Regarding the script, yes, I had an idea and I worked on it. Since the thought was mine so I decided I should make it myself. So I went ahead and did it. The idea is not to prove a point that I am trying to make a classic. I have made a commercial, simple film from the heart, which is not trying to approve anything. I have tried to say something but one has to read between the lines for it. Yet it is all in a completely commercial format.

You are also the lead in the film. Was it difficult to direct yourself?
No, I don’t think so. If one is clear about what one wants then it’s not difficult.

You have seen Kajol through an actor’s eyes because you have done so many films with her. You have also heard people say that she is an amazing actor. But now through a director’s eyes have you been able to find out what is it about her that makes her such a wonderful actor?
I don’t know. She is a fantastic actress but I can’t figure out where she gets it from.

2006 was a good year for you. There was Golmaal and Omkara – both very different kinds of films. However, 2007 was not so great. There was RGV Ki Aag and Cash. Do you know when a film is going wrong?
Cash I did know because the moment the film started everything began to go wrong. I think the intentions of the film were not right. It was all about trying to make a set up and make money out of it. Then things started going wrong between the producers and the director. In fact, even I disowned the film three months before it was released. So, Cash was a mistake which was not intentional. Where Aag is concerned the intentions were honest. If things went wrong with the film then, not just the director, but all of us are to be blamed.

Ram Gopal Varma was almost embarrassed by the response toAag. Were you embarrassed as an actor?
No, I wasn’t. I was hesitant about doing Aag before I knew what Ramu was making. When he called me up to narrate the story I thought I would tell him ‘why would anyone want to make Sholay?’ But when he narrated me how he would make it and what his intentions were I couldn’t tell him anything because I thought he was on the right track. The movie was not a show off, it was a tribute to his favourite film. I think things went wrong but we don’t know where we faltered. I would call it a different kind of a mistake where we need to know what one needs to do while making a film.

Thank you for talking to us. Best of luck and looking forward to seeing your next release.

Quelle: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/ajay-on-turn...53559-8-p0.html

Das Video bei "Video Interview"!

Filmfare August 2004

Weil es auch ein Interview ist, stelle ich es auch hier rein!

40 Question
Candid Comments: Ajay Devgan

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'You win some, you lose some'
Mumbai, December 18, 2007

Ajay Devgan speaks up in a candid interview with Vajir Singh

The buzz is that Halla Bol was postponed to January 11, 2008, to avoid a clash with Welcome and Taare Zameen Par.
Yes, it would have been foolish to have three big films releasing on the same day. They would have cut into each other's business.

But with Sunday coming in early February, won't you have two releases in quick succession early next year?
I don't mind that. Last year Golmaal and Omkara released in quick succession and both worked. It's better to have two releases over a span of three weeks than three films coming in one week.
Besides Halla Bol and Sunday are very different films and that's even evident from the promos. (Smiles) I enjoy switching genres. It's something to look forward to when I leave home every morning for a shoot. After a point, money is no longer a motivation. It's creative satisfaction.

Halla Bol appears to be on the lines of Gangaajal and Apaharan.
Rajji (Rajkumar Santoshi) is a mainstream director and so doesn't stray too far from the commercial format. What makes Halla Bol different from the usual masala movies is that it has a message to convey too.

Apparently it was inspired from a real-life incident.. the Jessica Lal murder case?
No, it's pure fiction. It revolves around a struggler who dreams of becoming a star. And he does. But then, everything changes.. he changes. Till an incident leaves him with two options - keep silent or speak up.

It's a solo hero film after a long time.. any anxieties?
Not a single person after watching the film has come out cribbing. I don't know whether it will work commercially but it will certainly be critically appreciated.

You mean like Raincoat?
(Smiles) Raincoat was a good film but the day I saw it, I knew it wouldn't work. It was too slow.. too boring. You need to keep the audience engaged for two hours.. look forward to the climax.

You play a superstar in Halla Bol. Can we assume you played yourself?
(Smiles) No. Rajji wanted a flamboyant look. Fashionable clothes.. awards functions.. that's not me.

Any reason why you don't attend award functions?
I'm not sure they're fair and unbiased. So in my opinion they are not worth attending.

What about the National Awards?
There have been controversies regarding a few National awards. Fortunately, the two times I won the award - for Zakhm and The Legend of Bhagat Singh - there were no disputes or debates.

This year hasn't been a great one for you.
(Shrugs) You win some, you lose some.. it's part of the game. I had two releases. Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag didn't work. Neither did Cash that was released even though it was not complete. No regrets.. bad films don't work. Period.

Will you work with the director of Cash, Anubhav Sinha, again?
Never.

You sound disillusioned with Sinha?
It was sad that he released Cash before wrapping up a 20-day shoot. Everyone should be passionate about the film they're making. But in this case the producers were busy fighting instead of concentrating on the content.

Why did you dub for the film?
I'm a professional. I dubbed for it.. then disassociated myself from the film.

Let's talk about your directorial debut, You Me aur Hum. Why the English title?
It's not English, it's Hinglish.. half English and half Hindi. That's how I wanted it. It's very apt.

Tell more.
Wait for a month, then we'll talk. I've kept myself free for almost a month.. I want to promote You Me aur Hum well.

Why did you turn to direction?
Before becoming an actor I used to make short films. Shekhar (Kapur) saw my work and took me on as an assistant for various ad films and Dushmani.
Half-way through Dushmani I quit to become an actor. (Smiles) I must have had 10-20 releases while Dushmani was still in the making.

Aren't you doing Vishal Bharadwaj's Julia with Sanjay Dutt?
The movie is on. We're working on the combination dates.

Is Ramayana on?
Yes but a film like Ramayana needs plenty of pre-production. Rajji is in touch with Hollywood technicians. We intend to make Asoka before Ramayana.

Are you working on a six pack too?
There are so many newcomers around with six packs. But are they getting work?

Quelle: You win some, you lose some by Hindustan Times

Pranks on sets are like de-stress therapy: Ajay

2008 looks like a great year for Ajay Devgan as he has some experimental films coming up for release including his directorial debut with wife Kajol

Cash and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag were the only releases you had this year but 2008 seems to look like a bright year for you.
Yes, I am looking forward to having a great year film wise with Halla Bol, Sunday, Golmaal Returns and U Me Aur Hum, my own directorial venture releasing in 2008.

What are your expectations from Halla Bol, your first release of the year?
With Rajji (Rajkumar Santoshi) being the director and looking at the way it has shaped up, I am confident of the film. Also the fact that I have put in my 100 per cent to it. So I, as a performer, have great expectations from it. The rest is for the audience to decide.

How was the experience of playing a street play activist, something that you have never attempted earlier?
It was a very unique and great experience essaying this role. It was quite challenging as well. Halla Bol has been inspired by the life of murdered theatre activist Safdar Hashmi and urges people to raise their voice against injustice. Halla Bol means attack and I am sure it will be liked for the sincerity in the message it conveys.
It is basically the story of a small-town guy who becomes a big film star and how his lifestyle changes after gaining immense success. What happens when he is no longer successful and how eventually he fights and gains back his position.

You have been paired opposite Vidya Balan for the first time. How did you find her as a co-star?
She is a great actor and a co-star. I was very comfortable shooting with Vidya and I look forward to working again with her in the future.

Like all your female co-stars, you even played pranks on her. You did not even spare Kareena Kapoor on the sets of Golmaal Returns.
I believe in being comfortable with my co-stars which should be maintained always and I guess after a shooting schedule of 30 to 45 days at a stretch, these pranks are like de-stress therapy.

Halla Bol is your fourth film with Rajkumar Santoshi after Lajja, The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Khakee. What is so unique about the maker that draws you back to work with him?
As I have always said, Rajji is a great director. The comfort level he creates for his actor is amazing because he himself steps into the shoes of the actor and deals with situations accordingly.

After this, you have Sunday coming up for release. It is being directed by Rohit Shetty, another of your loyalists.
There is nothing like being a loyalist. I appreciate Rohit’s talent as a director. In Sunday, I play a corrupt cop and for the first time, Irrfan is attempting comedy and so it is worth watching. Rohit’s Golmaal Returns that is a sequel to his hit Golmaal is another film to look forward to., and the dialogues are so hilarious that we are having a hard time shooting as all of us break into laughter each time a shot is being canned. There are retakes after retakes before it is okayed. Believe me, it is sheer madness on the sets. While Golmaal Returns is a laugh-riot, Sunday is milder.

With U Me Aur Hum, you have turned director. Did you enjoy the experience?
I have been assisting even when I was an actor. I always dreamt of becoming a director someday. And with U Me Aur Hum, I think I have accomplished that. But as a director, I must say that one has to take full command of the entire film and I am enjoying it.

But wasn’t it difficult to direct the film and act in it too?
The responsibilities are far beyond just being an actor. One has to keep in mind so many factors and handle much more when it comes to directing.

How was it to direct a brilliant actor like Kajol?
Kajol is, of course, the most talented actor we have today and I am very comfortable working with her. It was a great experience directing her.

How different will your Asoka be from Shah Rukh Khan’s film by the same name?
We are not attempting to remake what has already been made before. Our story is after the Kalinga war, and how Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism.

Do you think you have evolved as an actor after all these years?
I guess every person evolves with time and it is a must in order to survive and grow not only as an actor but also as a human being. I have grown the same way.

Quelle: http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=18461 oder http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=18410

Ajay Devgan : No Dislike For Srk
Published by ajay devgan January 4th, 2008 in News

Ajay Devgan, once known as an action hero of Bollywood, has traveled a long way in filmdom by playing all types of roles. He is a veteran now.

Ajay is a complete man; a good actor, director, producer, father, husband and son. However, he humbly says, “I’m not a complete man, but a happy man! Nobody is complete.” After all, he belongs to a filmi family.

In spite of scores of his hits during his filmi career and playing opposite almost all top actresses, he hasn’t ever been linked with any other co-stars like his other colleagues.

Yes, he is very, very happy with his actor wife Kajol, whose generations have been thickly associated with films and at the top level.

Thus, he proves his undying love for Kajol. He says, “I work, and once it’s pack up, I rush home to be with family. Socializing leads to rumors of link-ups. And I just can’t socialize. I don’t enjoy it, so I don’t do it.”

The actor who is less communicative with the media is often criticized for wrong reasons. Most importantly, for his relations with Shah Rukh Khan. The reports of his dislike for Shah Rukh are written and circulated too often.

The reason is given that Ajay doesn’t want her wife Kajol to work with Shah Rukh as the former had once upon a time described as the best pair of Bollywood.

The chemistry between the two was quoted as the best. The pair had earned innumerable fans . This has stayed till now though Ajay has been regularly denying it.

Of late, it was said that Ajay didn’t respond positively to Shah Rukh starrer ‘Om Shanti Om’ in spite of an invitation from none other person than Farah Khan, its producer.

Ajay clarifies it to leave no doubt .First, Ajay says , “I don’t dislike Shah Rukh”. He has said to a columnist in Goa during shooting for ‘Golmaal Returns’.

Great ‘catch’ for some filmmakers who won’t make films without him - Rajkumar Santoshi, Rohit Shetty… “There’s a certain comfort zone,” agrees Devgan.

“They’re all good directors, and if I suit a certain character, they approach me. It’s simple! It’s not campism; it’s work.” Besides Santoshi’s ‘Halla Bol’ , the man has been roped in to play the title role in Raj’s ‘Ashok’ as well.

A previous attempt on the subject wasn’t a very impressive fare at the box office. “We aren’t attempting to re-make what has already been made before. Our story is post the Kalinga war, and how the Emperor embraced Buddhism,” explains the actor.

This makes me ask of Ajay’s religious sensibilities. “I’m religious. I believe in most religions and also appreciate and try to follow the good virtues each of them propagates.”

Referring to his absence from ‘Om Shanti Om’, he says he was out of town during the time the film was being made.

I assure you that if I was in the city I would’ve done what Farah approached me for.” When asked about Shah Rukh’s six-pack abs, Ajay proudly says, “I like to take care of myself. I won’t claim to have six-pack abs, but I do have a much toned stomach.

Never mind Ajay’s success stories, another high of his life is his first directorial venture, ‘U-Me-Aur-Hum’ which has been falsely hailed as a re-make of the Hollywood flick ‘The Notebook’ . With Kajol and him returning together on the big screen, the film truly seems to be a ‘home production’. Sorry, their daughter Nysa will be missing in it as they are going by the script.

Quelle: http://ajay-devgan.com/237/ajay-devgan-no-dislike-for-srk

‘Issues with Shah Rukh? I am bored answering this’
Author: Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Date: 06 Jan 2008

Ajay Devgan breaks his monosyllabic spell to talk about direction, being a prankster and writing a blog

“Can you call me after an hour, I am editing my film,” says Ajay Devgan, who is working round the clock for the post-production of his directorial venture You Me Aur Hum. The actor seems to be enjoying every moment of creativity. “You won’t believe, I actually started editing when I was just eight years old,” says Ajay Devgan, while sipping herbal tea. In a free-wheeling chat with Sunday MiD DAY, the ‘monosyllabic’ actor actually comes out from his cocoon and speaks about his likes and dislikes.

You are back with Raj Kumar Santoshi once again. Do you think Santoshi understands you the most and gives you the best roles?
Well, I would say Santoshi understands me better and a film like Halla Bol is his forte. Very few people know that he is a brilliant actor too. Most of the time he enacts the scenes. Frankly speaking, he is even better than me.
But I think whenever I have worked with him people have appreciated me. I think he gives me the kind of subject that is challenging.

It seems that Santoshi is planning Asoka with you. Santosh Sivan’s film on the same subjected with Shah Rukh Khan bombed at the box-office. Do you think people will accept you?
I think it’s unfair to compare Santoshi’s Asoka with Santosh’s Asoka. The film which Santoshi is making starts after Kalinga war. I guess Santosh Sivan ended with Asoka adapting to Buddhism, while Santoshi’s film will highlight Asoka’s life after he embraced Buddhism.

So, you will be doing some research on Asoka.
I trust Santoshi and I think he and his team is working hard on the research. I will do whatever he asks me to do…

He also wanted to make Prithviraj Chauhan with you and Aishwarya Rai but the film never took off. What went wrong?
I think he is no more interested in the subject… you are talking about something that he wanted to make two years ago.

Going back to Halla Bol, you play the role of a filmstar. Have you taken any real life nuances?
Nothing in particular.
The character that I am playing in Halla Bol is a complete contrast to what I am in real life.

Your role in Halla Bol is of an actor who realises his moral duty and finally plunges into the act. How dutiful are you in your personal life?
I have always believed in myself and I do what my heart says. I have never come across a situation in life (like the protagonist in Halla Bol) where I felt guilty about my act. I have stuck by my morals and I have done exactly what I wanted to do.

In an interview, Vidya Balan said that you gave electric shocks to everyone on the sets of Halla Bol… how do you think up of newer pranks?
Oh god! That was just a joke and nothing beyond.

People have tagged you as the biggest prankster and they are scared of you. Do you enjoy the tag?
I don’t think that I am the biggest prankster in this industry. It’s the media who have given me this tag. I guess just because you get to read about my pranks on my co-stars in the media and not so much about other actors, you think I am a big prankster. It’s just a matter of perception.

Has anyone ever played a prank on you?
Unfortunately no…

Off-screen, you come across as a very serious person. But those who have worked with you say just the opposite. Why such a dual image?
Again, it’s all about perception. And I have been wanting to say this for a really long time, people come to a conclusion after reading magazines and newspapers.
If you meet my directors and co-actors they will give you the true account. They are the actual people to ask because they are the ones I spend time with. People feel that I am a very serious person because of the kind of role that I have played in the past. But then that’s really funny. I am just another person… just like you.

How interactive are you as a person? Journalists have to probe to get ‘spicy’ quotes from you?
I think I am interactive enough. If I feel that I am not going to open up, then no one can force me. As far as ‘spicy’ quotes are concerned, well… even probing might not help! (Laughs)

You have started writing blogs in your website just like Aamir Khan. While Aamir doesn’t interact with the media, you aren’t really anti-media. Why the need to communicate in this way?
I have a very simple intention. I wanted to interact with my fans and get ideas from them also. I do give interviews to media, but through my blog I get to know the honest opinion of my fans and well-wishers.

How often do you blog?
Well, that’s a tricky question (laughs). I am a bit tied up with the post-production of my film. I try to be as regular as possible.

Your film Sunday is also up for release and it seems that you have become a master in comedy?
I don’t consider myself as a master of anything… I think the script has to be a killer. If the script is good then the film has to be good. It’s a simple equation.

But don’t you think comedy is more difficult that action or any other genre in that case?
Acting in a comedy becomes really difficult when you have a bad script, that’s when you need the actor to save the film. (Laughs)

You had a brilliant chemistry with Aamir Khan in Ishq, but after that you both never worked. Don’t you think you both should come together again?
I would love to… but no one came up with a script that would merit both of us.

You have taken up direction with You Me Aur Hum. Do you think you are ready?
Age has nothing to do with direction. It’s not that I am trying to make a point or something like that. When I read the script I felt that I should make this film.

We get to see Kajol with you after Raju Chacha. How difficult or easy was it to direct your wife?
When I am directing, I never feel that I am directing my wife. I think Kajol is a professional and I respect her for whatever she is.

Was there any disagreement between you and Kajol during the filming? Who won?
I don’t think we have disagreed on any issue during the film. But it would be better if you ask her also…

Did you find it difficult to act and direct at the same time?
If you plan out everything then nothing is difficult. People who lack planning end up in a soup. I had worked a lot before I started shooting for the film. It was a smooth ride…

Did you enjoy direction? Do you plan to take it up full time?
I don’t know. I think I will direct a film only when I am very confident about it. At the moment I have too many films to complete as an actor.

Do you think you are a good editor? Or do you leave it to the professionals?
I started editing when I was just eight years old. I used to sit with my dad (Veeru Devgan) while he would edit the scenes and I would help him. I think being a part of the film industry has helped me a lot.
I have personal experience and I have been working in this industry for more than a decade.

People assume that you have problems with Shah Rukh Khan. Why and how did this assumption occur?
The day you find the reason please let me know. I have been wondering about this for too long. Trust me, now I am bored with this question.

Have you seen Om Shanti Om and Chak De! India?
No.. I have not. Friends have been complaining about not watching films and I will take them out some time soon and watch both the films.

In Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, everyone was talking about your steamy song with Nisha.
Come on… it was not steamy…Ramu wanted to shoot the song in a particular way and I was convinced about what he had explained.

Would you be interested in doing another shirtless song?
Depends on the scene and the director… I might if I am convinced.

Most of the stars are talking about three film contracts and multi-crore deals, how come we have never seen you talking about your ‘market price’?
I don’t believe in three-film deals. I think work should speak for you and not money.

Do you think that this kind of money-related news lifts an actor’s position in the market?
I don’t think so. It’s ultimately the kind of work you are doing that matters.

Finally, you have been working round the clock in 2007. Isn’t it time for a break?
Trust me… it is. I need a break. I have not planned yet but I will go for a family vacation as soon as I complete my post-production.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bol...XT_5_groupId=14

As Ajay Devgan’s solo starrer, Halla Bol releases this Friday, we caught up with the intense actor for a small tete-a-tete.

You are playing a super star in Halla Bol. How much do you identify with him?
Whenever I tried playing myself while shooting the film, Raj ji (director Rajkumar Santoshi) would immediately intervene and tell me to be more flashy and flamboyant portraying it. In real life I am completely opposite to that. The character I play has no parallels to my real life.

What is the film all about?
It is about a how a small town man doing theatre and dreams of becoming a big film star. He works really hard and makes sacrifices to attain success. But all this changes him as a person. He ends up getting caught between fighting for something that is right and loose whatever he has achieved so far or succumb to the wrong. He chooses the former and also wins back everything he has lost.

How does Santoshi every time manages to bring the best out of you?
He is a fantastic director and writer himself and if you feel that my performances under him are better then it's because he is a fantastic actor himself. He actually enacts out the scenes when he is narrating it to us while shooting. I just follow him.

How do you look back at 2007, which proved a bad year for you with duds like Cash and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag?
Cash was an incomplete film that was released. We had a 20 day schedule remaining to wrap up but director Anubhav Sinha, skipped it and released it. He clearly lacked the passion in making the film. Much has been said about Ramu’s Aag. But I think it is unfair to put the entire blame on him, we all involved are equally a part of it. But at the end of the day, bad films don’t work so it is fair.

You turned director with U, Me Aur Hum. Was it difficult directing yourself and wife Kajol?
I was clear about what I wanted from myself as an actor in the film so it wasn’t difficult directing myself. Likewise, with Kajol, when once on sets we would never be conscious that we are a married couple. She is a fantastic actress and it was a joy directing her.

Do you think you jumped into direction too early?
I joined the industry as an assistant director to Shekhar Kapur but ended becoming an actor. It was a spontaneous decision to direct U, Me Aur Hum. I came up with the basic story idea and got other writers to work on it. I am a very impulsive person.

Quelle: http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?x...ews_20080109_66

'Khans have their own place and I have mine'

Er ist einer der besten Schauspieler in der Hindi Filmindustrie. Ob Action, Komödie, Drama oder Romanze, Ajay Devgan hat alles gemacht, und das mit Stil.

Er ist einer der wenigen Schauspieler der durch seine Augen sprechen kann. Und das tut er häufig und noch mehr in seiner letzten Veröffentlichung, Halla Bol. Unglücklicherweise hat der Film noch nicht so viele Einnahmen gebracht.
War das für ihn wie ein Schock? „Nein,“ antwortet Ajay. “Filme wie Halla Bol funktionieren mit Mund zu Mund Propaganda; manchmal klappt das, manchmal nicht.”
Und warum macht er Filme, von denen man ahnen kann dass sie keine großen Kassenschlager werden? „Es ist einfach so, dass man an bestimmte Filme glaubt und sie macht,“ sagt er. „Apaharan und Gangajal waren sehr erfolgreich obwohl sie von so einem „anderen“ Thema handeln. Mit Halla Bol war es ähnlich gedacht. Aber manchmal funktioniert es nicht.“
“Schauen Sie, Unterhaltung ist teuer,” fügt er hinzu. „Eine vierköpfige Familie muss bis zu etwa 2.000 Rupien (ca. 40 Euro) ausgeben, um einen Film im Kino zu sehen. Das ist eine Menge Geld. So weit es mich betrifft, ich mache meine Arbeit aufrichtig.“

Ein neuer Bericht behauptet dass einige der Dialoge in Halla Bol ein Angriff auf die Khans seien, besonders auf Shah Rukh und Saif.
Der Bericht behauptet, dass der Film sich darüber mokiert dass Stars auf Hochzeitsfeiern auftreten, und bezieht sich auch auf die Auseinandersetzung von Aamir Khan wegen des Staudamms im Gujarat, die dazu geführt hatten dass sein Film Fanaa in diesem Bundesstaat verboten wurde.
“Das (Anti-Khan Anschuldigungen) ist nicht wahr,” sagt Ajay. „Wenn Sie den Film sehen, werden Sie es verstehen. Die Khans haben ihren eigenen Platz in der Industrie und ich habe auch meinen eigenen Platz. Diese Sache ist nur von den Medien so aufgeblasen worden.“

Aber der Schauspieler hat Halla Bol hinter sich gelassen, und freut sich nun auf seinen neuen Film Sunday.
Rohit Shetty hat die Regie geführt, und auch die Stars Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan und Ayesha Takia spielen in Sunday mit. Er wird am 25. Januar erscheinen.
“Sunday ist ein Spaßfilm. Das Skript ist ausgewogen und jeder wird den Film lieben,“ sagt Ajay.
Sunday ist sein dritter Film mit Rohit Shetty nach Zameen und Golmaal. „Ich kenne Rohit seit 15 Jahren,“ sagt Ajay. „Wir sind zusammen in dieser Industrie gewachsen. Er weiß genau was das Publikum will.“
Und wie mag er selbst seine Sonntage? „Ich mache gern Urlaub und erhole mich!“ grinst Ajay.

Und wie sieht es aus mit seinem Lieblinshobby, nämlich für seine Frau Kajol zu kochen? „Ich bin dieses Jahr zu beschäftigt um zu kochen,“ antwortet er. „Es ist lange her seit ich mal in der Küche stand!“

Hat er schon eine Strategie für seine Karriere? Möchte er einen ernsten Film ausgleichen, indem er danach eine Komödie macht?
"Da gibt es nichts was man Strategie nennen könnte,” antwortet Ajay. „Man macht einen Film wenn man das Thema mag. Man kann sich nicht dauernd selbst wiederholen als Schauspieler. Wenn das Skript gut ist, werde ich den Film machen. Nach einem bestimmten Punkt in der Karriere macht man Film zur eigenen Zufriedenheit. Wenn man auf sein Leben zurückblickt sollte man glücklich sein über die Dinge, die man getan hat.“

Eines dieser Dinge, die Ajay glücklich machen werden, ist sein Regiedebut U, Me Aur Hum, in dem seine Frau Kajol und er selbst spielen. „Ich hatte eine Idee und wollte daraus einen Film machen. Es ist ein kommerzieller Film und ich liebe das Thema,“ sagt Ajay.
Der Film wird in diesem April veröffentlicht.

Aber wenn irgendjemand meint, dass dieses Wagnis ihm zu mehr Medienkompetenz verhelfen würde, dann liegt er damit im Augenblick falsch. „Das liegt mir einfach nicht,“ gibt Ajay zu. „Ich möchte der Mensch bleiben der ich bin. Ich kann nicht schauspielern wenn es darum geht ein Interview zu geben,“ lacht er. Dann sagt er ernst, „aber meine Freunde haben mir gesagt dass ich medienfreundlich sein muss."
"Das ist so ein Kunkurrenzkampf in den Medien, über Prominente zu schreiben. Ich habe damit aufgehört meine eigenen Interviews zu lesen,“ sagt Ajay. „Ich wurde nie durch einen Artikel verletzt. Es ist mir nicht so wichtig was über mich geschrieben wird weil ich nur mit meiner Arbeit beschäftigt bin.“

Was ist sein Traum, nach dem er seit 17 Jahren in der Industrie gearbeitet hat? „Gute, ehrliche Arbeit zu machen, und sich nicht so viel um die Ergebnisse zu sorgen,“ sagt er zum Schluss.

Quelle: http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/15sli1.htm
Übersetzung: sRuthle

January 16

Actor Ajay Devgan' s Halla Bol got a cold response at the box office. His next release is a comedy flick titled Sunday. Ajay speaks to CNN-IBN about these two releases and his directorial debut, which also stars wife Kajol.

Rohit Khilnani: How have you been Ajay?

Ajay Devgan: I have been fine, thank you.

Rohit Khilnani: What is keeping you busy?

Ajay Devgan: The releases, the interviews and the post production of my film.

Rohit Khilnani: Sunday is a fun film and I am sure that you play a policeman in this film very unlike the policemen that you have played in the past, is that right?

Ajay Devgan: Yes, I play a policeman. It has nothing to do with issues. He is a kind of policeman who enjoys life and he, without harming people makes some money also. He does not harm anybody.

Rohit Khilnani: Your last film Halla Bol , which just released some time back got a great opening as expected, so when you and director Raj Kumar Santoshi, a friend of your’s sit together, do you talk about business?

Ajay Devgan: No, we don’t. I haven’t met him after the release of the film. Halla Bol has got great reviews and people are appreciating the film.

Rohit Khilnani: So do you get time to watch films? Did you watch Om Shanti Om and Taare Zameen Par?

Ajay Devgan: No, I don’t. For the past six months I have not seen any films as I have been occupied with my work. But I want to watch these films. I have been told that Aamir’s film is very good and I want to see the film.

Rohit Khilnani: I had interviewed you some time back when Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag was released and I have got a chance to meet you again, do you have any regrets doing RGV Ki Aag?

Ajay Devgan: No, not at all. I regret doing Cash as the intention was wrong. But where Ramu’s concerned, I don’t think that his intention was wrong. He makes things easy for us.

Rohit Khilnani: Ending on a happy note, I know your daughter has grown up enough to know that her father is an actor and her mother is an actor.

Ajay Devgan: Yes, she knows that. She doesn’t much react to it but she knows that.

Rohit Khilnani: Thank you so much for giving us time.

Ajay Devgan: Thank you.

Quelle: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/reviews-say-...an/56588-8.html
Video dazu: http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/56588/revi...jay-devgan.html

Posted On Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Ajay Devgan fields questions about his recent release Halla Bol, Aamir Khan, SRK, himself and lots more…

Halla Bol has just been released and Sunday is soon to follow. Is it a good idea to release both the films close to each other?
I am not happy about it, but there are many things related with the release of a film that an actor has no control over.

Are Aamir Khan and SRK really unhappy with you for making digs at them in Halla Bol?
What digs? Whatever I am doing in the film is as per the script. I have no intentions of making digs at anyone in the film.

There is always a question about your rivalry with Shah Rukh…
Yes, this question has been fired at me for 12 years now. Every question has a life and now I think it’s high time - just kill it right now. (Laughs)

Like your character in Halla Bol, do you think that an actor should come out in the open for a cause?
In Halla Bol, we show how fame and power can change a person’s mindset. If the media supports the cause of an actor, like they did in the Jessica Lal murder case, then justice can be done.

But what about a case like Aamir, where there is a backlash…
That’s why I said that the media should support the cause that an actor decides to take up. If the media does not support the cause then the whole issue can backfire. A star can generate attention but it is the duty of every individual to stand up for a just cause. Today, if a paper floats a rumour about me, 80% of the people will believe despite it being untrue.

You work with a fixed set of directors like Santoshi, Rohit Shetty and Prakash Jha…
We get along very well. I have known Rohit for 15 years now, he’s like family. As far as Raj Santoshi goes, we always discuss our films and work on a script first. If I don’t like a script I tell him so. We are working on Asoka right now and if all goes well, we have a winner on hand.

With U Me Aur Hum, you are turning director this year, is it a long term plan?
No, I just came up with the idea. After I developed the script, I liked it so much that I decided to go ahead and direct it. I love doing more behind the camera stuff, making short films and editing, this is something I used to do before Phool Aur Kaante.

How easy was it to convince Kajol to do U Me Aur Hum?
It doesn’t make things easier or more difficult just because she my wife - once we are before the camera we are both actors. Kajol loved the script and decided to do it.

Is the animated film Toonpur, that you are doing some sort of gift to your daughter Nysa?
(Laughs) Yes, I am doing the film, but it’s not just for Nysa. I loved the script so I decided to do it and I’m yet to start shooting as the pre-production takes long.

You don’t seem to have too many friends in the industry.
I don’t socialise much but I have my set of friends in the industry. However, I’m very family-centric so I spend as much time as I can with them.

You were never media-savvy...
It’s not like that, I’m just plain lazy.

Quelle: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper....0922343623597a2

Shubha Shetty-Saha; Thursday, January 17, 2008 00:09 IST

He’s always marched to a different drummer and Ajay Devgan makes it clear he’s not in the mood to mellow down just now, finds Shubha Shetty-Saha

Ajay Devgan looks a bit flustered — quite a departure from his usually cool and collected self. Is it the lukewarm opening to ‘Halla Bol’ bothering him? Apparently not.

“I knew ‘Halla Bol’ wouldn’t have such a great opening. It’s not really a commercial film and wasn’t high on ‘entertainment’.

A multiplex viewer who’s shelling out about Rs 2000 if he has to take out his whole family, will definitely look for the entertainment factor.

But such movies catch on after word-of-mouth publicity. I will continue doing such films for my own creative satisfaction.

I can always do films like ‘Sunday’ (a comic thriller, his next release) if I am looking for commercial success. I do look forward to hits, but it’s imperative to also do films like ‘Halla Bol’ for my own sake,” he says.

We discover that he is actually hassled about two things — one, his mother hurt her wrist during a visit to Siddhivinayak temple, and two, a tabloid story about the Khans (Aamir and Shah Rukh) being upset with him.

The buzz is that a few dialogues in ‘Halla Bol’ seem to be targeting them. “Tell me, is there any dialogue in the film that implies anything about another actor?

There is no rivalry between any of the Khans and me. They are fine in their place and I in my own. I’m not really bothered about who thinks what about me. I have always lived life on my own terms and conditions, and I’ll continue to do so. Whatever success I have managed to get is only on my conditions. There have been no compromises. There is no anxiety either.”

In ‘Halla Bol’ his character takes undue advantage of superstardom. Has he done that in real life?, “I might have taken advantage of my star status but unwittingly. Sometimes you simply ask for something and it’s considered a demand — and things take on a different colour,” he says with a cheeky smile.

Ask him if maintaining success is tougher and he says candidly, “It is tough. But I have been around for a while and I have learnt to handle it. I do realise now that I have to brush up on my public relations skills.

Not having great PR or being media savvy might have even harmed my career.” But talk about his directorial debut ‘U, Me Aur Hum’ and he is back to his confident self. “I am not trying to prove a point to anybody. I also know I am not making a classic. I am making a commercial film and I know people will like it.”

Quelle: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?Newsid=1145598

Last updated : Jan 16, 2008

The actor talks about his forthcoming film and directorial debut, U Me Aur Hum

How does one describe an actor who has worked with some of the best directors in the industry and still continues to surprise audiences with his versatility? After giving a power-packed performance in Halla Bol, Ajay Devgan is ready with his next film, Sunday, releasing on January 18.

You seldom talk to the media. Why?
It's not that I am media shy; I am lazy. I don't like meeting people too often. I have my own set of close friends in the industry with whom I like to hang around. Besides, I try to spend time with my family. I cook for them or go out together.

You seem to have a wonderful beginning this year with Halla Bol and Sunday releasing back-to-back. Comment.
I am not really excited at this point in time. Halla Bol and Sunday belong to two different genres. I just hope audiences appreciate me in both the films.

You received a lot of flak for your alleged digs at the Khans in Halla Bol. Would you like to talk about it?
I don’t think I have done anything like that. I was just an actor rattling away my dialogues. I am a performer when I am on screen. Whatever I have done was according to the script. I think whoever is saying these things just want to create a controversy out of nothing.

Do you feel that celebrities should come out in the open for a cause?
Not only the celebrities, but every individual should fight for a genuine cause. But yes, stardom adds credibility to the whole issue. At the same time, it is the duty of the media to lend support whole-heartedly.

But Aamir Khan received a lot of flak when he was associated with the Narmada Bachao protest. What’s your take on it?
I think if I were in his place, things would have been the same. That's precisely the reason why I am saying media should support a genuine cause and stop spreading rumours.

Tell us something about your forthcoming film, Sunday.
Sunday is a comedy where a day goes missing from a man's life. I enjoyed taking up a unique script like this. Besides, comedies do well at the box office these days.

You have worked with Ayesha Takia before in Tarzan-The Wonder Car. How is she as a co-actor?
I did a cameo in Tarzan-The Wonder Car. But while shooting for Sunday, I found her as an extremely dedicated actor. It was fun working with her.

Tell us something about your directorial debut, U Me Aur Hum (UMAH)?
I was always comfortable being on the other side of the camera before I did Phool Aur Kaante. I assisted people and made several short films. So, making U Me Aur Hum was a delight.

How difficult or easy was it for you to convince Kajol to do UMAH?
While I was working on the script, Kajol just loved it. I didn't do much to convince her. Nor did it make things easier or difficult. She is my wife but on camera, we are just actors.

Are you making your first animation film, Toonpur, for your daughter Nysa?
I didn't think so. I liked the script and these days, animation films are a rage. So, why not?

Why do think directors like Rajkumar Santoshi, Rohit Shetty and Prakash Jha repeat you in their films?
You should go and ask them this question. In my opinion, we get along very well. Rohit is like family. I know him since the last 15 years. Things are more on a professional level with Rajkumar Santoshi; we discuss a script first. If I don't like it, I tell him. At present, we are working on Ashoka.

Quelle: http://www.buzz18.com/interviews/movies/...-ayesha/34261/0