RE: Interviews - 7

SEEMA SINHA 1 November 2009, 10:38am IST

Move over the silent, brooding Ajay Devgn (he has dropped the letter ‘a’ from his last name as per his family’s wish), now we have a chatty and cheerful Ajay with oodles of charm, confidence and flamboyance.

Son of action director Veeru Devgan, Ajay made his first screen appearance astride two motor-cycles in his debut vehicle Phool Aur Kaante, establishing his image as an action hero, in 1991. “I was more inclined towards direction. One of my dad’s friends offered me my first film when I was in college. My attitude was, ‘if this works fine, and if it doesn’t then I am not going to run around with my portfolio’. The film worked. I did what I wanted to do and the way I wanted to do it,” says Ajay.

Over a decade of marital bliss, Ajay has discovered the same attitude in his wife Kajol, though he hasn’t yet discovered the meaning of love and romance. “Romance? I don’t know what that would be. I never proposed to Kajol, it just happened. But I definitely have an idea of family. It is giving enough time to them and spending time together. I give more importance to my family than to my work. That is where happiness lies,” he says softly.

“Temperamentally, Kajol and I are quite alike. We believe in the same morals, principles and we do things on our terms and conditions,” says. While his ‘firebrand’ wife comes across as more aggressive of the two, Ajay feels otherwise. “Kajol is calmer than me. She is very honest but people mistake it for aggression,” he clarifies. Parenthood is something that has also brought a calming influence on Ajay. A doting father to six-year-old Nysa, Ajay is home early essentially to spend time with her. Where link-ups are synonymous with the glamour business, Ajay has managed to maintain a clean image. “I won’t say that extra-marital affairs don’t happen, but at times the media misunderstands when they see two people together. But I don’t give anyone a chance to link me with someone. I like my work and home,” he says.

But pre-marriage things were different and Ajay too bore the brunt of juicy gossip, rumours and hearsay. “We all have our share of affairs. And today, gossip doesn’t really bother me. Kajol trusts me and I trust her, too,” he adds.

Winner of two National Awards, Ajay prefers to keep a low profile. “I don’t like to blow my own trumpet. I don’t attend awards functions either because many undeserving people or even non-actors get honoured. That is when I get disillusioned. Then you feel, ‘Ok, we will also buy it’,” he smiles.

“I am here to do only good work. And that is why I say that Kajol and I are much more superior to the others,” says Ajay.

Ajay has also steered clear of all the controversies in filmdom — the one-upmanship one finds some A-list actors involved in. “I find all this very stupid and immature. I have never had any issues with anybody and vice versa. And I think that is how it should be at 40. And I guess it is written on my face that I don’t mess with you, you don’t mess with me,” says Ajay, who names Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh as some of his good friends.

He continues, “My upbringing has always been very secure. At the end of the day, if you are not satisfied as a person, what have you done in life? What is the point in achieving so much without making good friends?” “I live for today. I want to be happy and keep everybody around me happy,” he concludes.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/enter...how/5185495.cms

By Joginder Tuteja, November 3, 2009 - 14:11 IST

He may not be fighting the battle of being one of the contenders for the Top-5 actors that we have in the industry today. Still, Ajay Devgn has made a definite place for himself with two decades of hard work and a line up of films that could make majority of actors nervous. Starting off his career as an action hero with multiple hits like Phool Aur Kaante, Jigar, Divyashakti and Vijaypath, Ajay is today known as one of the few versatile actors that we have in the industry today.

"Yes, in a way I am lucky that I can do action, comedy, drama or an emotional film. This is what keeps me going. Working in a similar genre for years can't really work for you all the time. You have to bring in a change in your approach towards making films and this is what I strive for. I know for sure that not many actors and stars are capable of being versatile today. This way, I am blessed", says Ajay whose London Dreams has seen a steady progress at the box office ever since it's opening.

With films like All The Best, London Dreams, Rajneeti, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Priyadarshan's next, Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge, Toonpur Ka Superhero and a sequel to Golmaal or All The Best in his kitty, his statement does make sense. After all, the man is enjoying his status as an actor who can work in movies belonging to diverse genres.

Coming back to London Dreams, with critic reviews going in the favour of the film and audiences too giving a thumbs-up to this Vipul Shah venture, it is now Ajay's second film in quick succession that has brought smiles back for the industry. From a slapstick comedy All The Best, was it the confidence of getting into a different kind of 'home territory' with an intense role in the offering that made him go for London Dreams?

"I really don't know what exactly is like being in a 'home territory'", smiles Ajay, "I knew for sure that London Dreams is a kind of an intense film and since I have done quite a few successful films with a similar requirement in the past, perhaps audiences were expecting me to do well again. But yes, London Dreams did bring in a different dimension of intensity."

Can he elaborate on this?

"See, every film has a different dimension regardless of the genre that it belongs to. Every script has its own dimension and every actor or a director looks at it in a different way. Vipul and I envisaged the character of Arjun and his placement in London Dreams in a particular way and this is what is reflected on screen", he explains.

What was the kind of vision that he and his friend/director Rohit Shetty had when it came to making All The Best? It was pretty much a scary Friday leading to stable weekdays for the comic entertainer. Had he actually bargained for that over the Diwali weekend?

"Pretty much so", promptly replies Ajay, "We were very much prepared that All The Best would take a slow start on the day of it's release. Even the distributors assured us that they weren't worried since family films take time to find their share of audiences. Moreover, this being a Diwali weekend, masses were expected to drop in once the festivities were through. That's what exactly happened in case of All The Best and results are there for all to see."

Another factor working in the favour of the film was unanimously good reviews that the film fetched.

"Yes, that really helped though we were quite sure about this", says Ajay, "We knew that we had a decent film that catered to all kind of audiences. Comedies do tend to bring in some double meaning dialogues but there wasn't anything like that in case of All The Best. We were confident that our effort would be appreciated."

No wonder, his association with Rohit Shetty is being labelled as a reliable actor-director 'jodi'. Do we see a modern day replacement of Priyadarshan in Rohit here?

"Hey, don't compare him with anybody", Ajay is quick to comment, "Yes, Rohit has a knack of comedy and that reflects in his work. Success of films like All The Best, Golmaal Returns and Golmaal is a testimony to that. Moreover, he also has a contemporary bent of mind which further gives him an edge. However, it would be unfair to compare him with anyone. Let his work talks for itself."

Meanwhile, what happens to his own directorial outing? It has been quite some time since U Me Aur Hum came and industry is waiting for him to announce his next.

"I am still working on my next film", says Ajay, "People do ask me a question that since I started with an action film (Phool Aur Kaante), would I be directing an action film next? Well, I am yet to lock on it and would be making an announcement at a later stage."

Quelle: http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features...5634/index.html

Bhopal, November 4, 2009

Actor-producer Ajay Devgan, who is riding high on the success of his latest flick 'All The Best', does not believe that Khans (Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir) rule the Bollywood.

"It is totally wrong to say or assume that the Khans dominate the Bollywood film industry." Devgan, who was recently seen in Vipul Shah's 'London Dreams' along with Salman, said.

The actor added that he detests going to award functions and would rather prefer his work to speak for him.

"'All the Best' has just made a mark at the box office...I am only focused on my work which is my mantra to success," Devgan, who in Bhopal at the Provogue studio on Tuesday, said.

"I give lots of importance to my work for which I can do anything," Devgan added.

The National Award-winning actor will next be seen in Prakash Jha's 'Rajniti', parts of which have been shot here in the city. However, the actor denied to reveal any details about the film stating it was too early to talk about it.

'Rajniti' which also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar has been directed by Prakash Jha and is slated to hit the theaters May next year.

Devgan, who recently dropped an 'A' from his surname, said that his mother believes in numerology which prompted him to change the spelling of his last name.

Quelle: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/...ay+Devgan+.html

Not exactly an interviewer's delight, Ajay Devgn may not have the gift of the gab or all those 'quotable quotes' in his back pocket, but he speaks straight and speaks without artifice, say Nishi Prem.

I've known Ajay Devgn for almost two decades now. Fame, success, hits, flops, marriage, fatherhood, he remains the same. Is that a good thing or a bad thing, I don't know. Mot that he cares much for what I or anybody else thinks. He remains the same. Unapologetic and happy to be what he is. What's nice is that he offers that option to you too. You are always 'chilled out' when you meet Ajay Devgn because that's the space he lives in...

NP: Rohit Shetty, Milan Luthria, Anil Devgan, Prakash Jha, these are all friends of yours who you've known and worked with for years. In a way, you let them piggy-back on your success till they found their own space. You've been available to them at all times...

AD: I think that speaks more about them than me. Taali dono haaton se bajti hai. I am fortunate to have good people around me. They say you can judge a person from how long his friends and staff have been around him but I think it could easily be the other way around; that your friends or even your staff are so good to you that you can't do without them. In that sense, I guess I've been very lucky. You value people who've been with you through good times and bad times, and depend on them. So it's really a two way thing.

NP: Rohit was an assistant on your first film PHOOL AUR KAANTE, that's almost 18 years ago.
AD: Yes, he started off as an assistant to Kuku Kohli and did three films with him by which time we started Devgan Films and Rohit joined us. Whoever the director, Rohit would assist him. Then he made ZAMEEN, SUNDAY and then the two GOLMAALs and now ALL THE BEST.

NP: Rohit looks like such a serious guy personally that it's difficult to associate comedy with him. I've barely seen him talk.

AD: He has that poker-face brand of humour. That's why he is successful in maintaining a balance in his films. It is very easy to get carried away with comedies. And sometimes you don't realise that it's not working. But Rohit knows where to draw the line and that is why it works. Also he doesn't just rely on comedy; he strikes the right balance between visuals and songs and comedy and everything else.

NP: You are doing a film with your other childhood friend Milan Luthria after a long gap. The last film you did with him was CHORI CHORI, which was almost 10 years a go... Although he made NAU DO GYARA with John and DEEWAR with Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt in between. How come?

AD: Yes, I am shooting with him for ONCE UPON A TIME IN BOMBAY after a long gap but we were in touch and are always close to each other. DEEWAR took him a couple of years and I was also occupied.

NP: Why didn't you do DEEWAR?

AD: I felt the role was not for me.

NP: The other film you are shooting for right now is Prakash Jha's RAJNEETI, again a 'groupie'.


AD: Yeah, with Ranbir and Katrina. Ranbir is superb in the film.

NP: What I'm driving at is that in the course of their careers most actors tend to form their own set of directors and fall into a comfort zone. One would have thought that after an actor has established his position beyond doubt he can afford to take up new, more challenging projects with new, different people. Instead, as actors get more established they get lazier and hate to get out of their comfort zones.

AD; I was bom lazy. Jokes apart, I think what happens is that over the years you start trusting a few directors and when they come up with a script that interests you, you just go ahead and do it, But if something doesn't appeal to me I will not do it even if it is for a friend. You just asked me why I hadn't worked with Bunty (Milan Luthria) for so long and that's because nothing caught my fancy but the moment he got a script I liked, i did it.

NP: But all you guys have your regulars.

AD: Yes, Rohit, Bunty, Prakash Jha, Rajkumar Santoshi, Ramu (Ram Gopal Varma)...

NP: Ramu?! Not really1 He has a factory to run; he can't afford to stick to one star. And he'd be more a Bachchan regular than anybody else's. Even though the Bachchans don't seem to be so interested in him these days...

AD: I don't know about all that but Ramu and I get along very well and we keep talking about something or the other. He is working on a script right now which we will be sitting on soon.

NP: But don't you think it is limiting for an actor to get into a comfort zone?

AD; No, because you're not saying that 'I don't want to get out of this comfort zone and I don't want to work with a new person'. I am working with Vipul for the first time in LONDON DREAMS. It always depends on the script and if it is suitable for me. Out of the hundred scripts that come to us, we can select only three or four, and that could be from people you are comfortable with or from people you don't even know, but definitely not with the people you are uncomfortable with. That is something I can't do even if it is the best script in the world. I need to be comfortable when I am working, I need to like my director, I need to trust my director, otherwise I am like, why the hell am I here? You have to shoot some hundred days for one film. And if you have to spend that kind of time with a person you have to at least like that person. When you wake up in the morning, you should feel like going to work, not going back to sleep instead of seeing that person's face!

NP: Have you worked with any such director?
AD: No, thankfully not. I have always got along with most of my directors, even the most stubborn of the lot.

NP; Sanjay Leela Bhansali, also? He is supposed to be a rough guy to deal with.

AD: I don't know what people say about Sanjay but I've never seen that side of his.

NP: HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM being his first big film (his first being KHAMOSHI) maybe Bhansali hadn't started thinking of himself as the genius that he thinks he is now - or has become - or always was - or whatever.

AD: I really don't know...I mean...

NP: He was a genius-in-waiting so the horns hadn't sprouted.

AD: Ho sakta hat. At that point of time, during HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM he was practically anxious and nervous most of the time about whether he was doing the right thing or not.

NP: No wonder he now enjoys making other people nervous, so much. However, coming back to your comfort zones, Bipasha Basu seems to be your favourite co-star. She's in most of your movies.

AD: What rubbish. Where did you get that from?

NP: It's not as if she's the best actress on this earth. Some would call her BAD. So what's the deal, AJ?

AD: She's there in ALL THE BEST and before that...

NP; OMKARA, APAHARAN... to name some.

AD: That's all, your list ends there. I've done more than 25 films in the past five years. And you've counted only three. Do your math again my dear; this was a poor show you put up. And you are barking up the wrong tree.

NP: Why did Fardeen disappear just before the release of ALL THE BEST? He was nowhere during the promotions.

AD: I think he had some personal problem. I can't tell you more than that. All I know is that he was stuck in London with some personal issue. We had planned our promotions completely with all three of us. But this happened at the last minute. So Fardeen just came to Mumbai for two days and went back again.

NP: The publicity would have done him good. There's hardly been any activity on his end for such a long time. This would have been a good opportunity for him to re-establish his presence. No one seems to know much about him these days. He almost seems disinterested.

AD; I don't think that's the case. Unfortunately for Fardeen, he's not had a fot of solo hits but he works superbly in a set-up like ALL THE BEST or any other multi-star set-up. When we worked out his character we could only see someone like Fardeen in it and I think he proved to be a great choice. He adds value to the project when he's along with other stars, Maybe he's been unlucky with solo-projects but things can change overnight in this industry.

NP: Have Sanjay Dutt and you always shared a great rapport?

AD: Always.

NP; You are also very similar in many ways. At least, in perception. Macho, earthy, rustic, more heart, friendly, generous, big brother personality, roving eye...at least at one time...

AD; That was centuries ago! Yes, we are similar in many ways and not so similar in many ways.

NP: Both are lazy actors. But in ALL THE BEST you were also the producer and no producer likes a lazy actor.

AD; I may be lazy but I am never, never unprofessional. As For Sanju and ALL THE BEST, Sanju worked like he was the producer of the film. He was the producer. He was there all the time. Imagine, I started the film in May. With this kind of star cast, Sanju and everybody, we have already released the film in October. That might be a record in itself. We never had to cancel anything, never had to defer or postpone anything. The problem with Sanju is that he can't say no. He wants to help out everyone who goes to him. And half the time he's bearing the brunt of someone else's foolishness. I really think that Maanyata is the best thing to have happened to Sanju. She's really streamlined his life to a great extent. She sees to it that he works out, eats well and if sometimes Sanju doesn't feel like working, she will see to it that he leaves for work. Sanju is so bad with money and such a sucker for sob stories that he was constantly being fleeced but she's taken that in her hands as well. She keeps such people away from him and sees to it that he saves his money. Warna Sanju toh sab udaa ya baant deta hai. She's also stopped his drinking, which is amazing. She's really been good for him.

NP: You were also very good friends with Abhishek at one time. It seems to have cooled off after he got married.

AD: I am still friends with Abhishek but we all are so busy that we have not really met.

NP: Friends do take time out for each other.

AD: May be. But friendship also means picking up from where you leave. I hadn't met Abhishek for a year or so but recently one day he was just driving past my house and he asked the watchman if I was in. I was working out and he just walked in and we started talking. That's how it is. We are in touch with each other and I think that's how it should be. Whenever we get the time and we are comfortable we will meet up.

NP: Apparently there were some problems between the producers and distributors of LONDON DREAMS. We heard that the distributors backed out because of recession and Vipul Shah was left holding the expensive baby.

AD: We have sorted it out. There was a problem with the producer and I think Vipul had to bear the brunt but all that is now sorted out. You know, Vipul is one of the most organised directors I've ever worked with. The way he made LONDON DREAMS, no one would have been able to pull it off. Shooting in London with so much of crowd and such tough locations like the Albert Hall, it was a remarkable feat. And it went off smoothly only because Vipul was completely prepared and knew exactly how many shots had to be taken, how long they would take, what lighting, where the camera would be... every thing was so well planned that we didn't even realise before it was all done and canned.

NP; And despite Salman coming late on some days and not turning up on
some...

AD: Not at all. Salman was there on time everyday.

NP; First the tabloids wrote about Asin being friends with Salman and then
they started writing about how very fond she was of you.

AD: I think it's the PR of LONDON DREAMS,

NP: What do you think of Asin as an actress?

AD: I think she's a good actress, down to earth, simple, and working with her was good. It went off pretty well.

NP: Who do you think has the maximum potential from the present set
of new girls...Deepika, Sonam, Asin, Anoushka Sharma

AD: I'll have to think. Not because I don't know most of them or I haven't
worked with them...there are many actresses doing a great job.

NP: What do you think of this great fascination with plastic surgery and the
obsession with size zero?

AD: Plastic surgery, I don't know Out I think most men my age feel that a
woman should look like a woman and not like a man. Curves look good on
women. The more you have the more you have to offer. So this size zero thing just puts me off.

NP; Some will take great pains to look good and some will take great pains to perform well. You are somebody who believes in taking great pains for
nothing. You are definitely not one of those actors who believes in 'getting
deeply into a role' or extensively preparing for it.

AD: It doesn't work for me that way. I do it the way it works for me. An actor
needs to study his role, do some homework about the character he's playing but I like to do that and keep it at the back of my mind when I go to perform. That's all. I really can't work harder than that. I don't feel the need to.

NP: Actors take months off to prepare for their roles.

AD: Bad actors need to work harder. Jokes apart, each to their own, I like to keep it light and easy.

NP: Professionally, Kajol's approach is very similar to yours, she too likes to leave it to spontaneity rather than stretch herself beyond the role and it seems to have worked well for both of you but on a personal front, Kajol's approach towards people is very different from yours. Your friends and people who work with you find you to be generous and thoughtful whereas Kajol is said to be brash and even rude with people.

AD; I think her problem is not that she is rude. I think her problem is that she's just plain honest. She says whatever she feels. I would do that only in situations where I am close or I care enough for the person. I wouldn't waste my time telling the person that I don't like you. But Kajol will go ahead and say it. So I think that's the basic difference. I don't think she is rude at all. And I think she has sobered down a lot on that front.

NP: Some of you must have rubbed off on her by now.

AD: Maybe, yeah.

NP: And what's rubbed off on you from her?

AD: I don't know.

NP: Oh, c'mon that's not fair! How typical of a husband to do that.

AD: Yeah, I know that, but I can't think of anything.

NP: Such a man thing to do.

AD: I can't think of anything. I am trying to think. Honestly, it's not a man thing, I am realty trying...Okay, we'll come back this to this question later.

Interview
10.11.09

Ajay at his best

A lengthy busy line, an initial disturbance in the connection followed by a deep macho voice – we finally get Ajay Devgn on the line. His voice exudes warmth and with no qualms he shares his thoughts on ‘All The Best’.

Best thing about having a name change:
I haven’t changed my name! [chuckles]. I have dropped an alphabet in the spelling which I was asked to do a few years ago but just got down to doing it now.

Best working partner:
Rohit Shetty and I have a rapport we have built over two decades. And when you have that level of comfort then working with friends just gets better.

Best of co-stars:
Sanjay (Dutt) is a great buddy, Fardeen and I have become good friends and with Bipasha and Mugdha it is a comfortable and sweet relationship.

Best memory of working on All The Best:
During the making of the film, everyone was so used to each other that we did not realise when we finished shooting.

Best proposal would be:
In an overturning car.

Best genre of films:
No favourites. As an actor I would like to do all genres because that keeps me going.

Best way to describe Ajay in the industry:
As an actor I’m fantastic, as a producer I’m good and as a director I have got good reviews – so you tell me!

Best way to describe Ajay as a person:
As a husband I’d like to believe I am very good and as a father I would have to wait for my daughter to grow up so I can ask her that.

Quelle: http://www.masala.com/15904-ajay-and-mugdha-unplugged

Posted: Dec 18, 2009 at 1058 hrs IST

Even as he is basking in the success of his last release All The Best, director Rohit Shetty is planning the third part of Golmaal and Golmaal Returns…

Have you started work on Golmaal 3?

Right now, it is in the scripting stages. As the name suggests, this film will be a trilogy after Golmaal and Golmaal Returns.

Did you always plan to make a trilogy?

No. In fact, the success of Golmaal Returns had us thinking. There are several ideas in mind but I was not very sure what I wanted to make. So I have decided to take the story further with new elements. Of course, it will be more on the lines of Golmaal and All The Best.

Is that because you have found the pulse of the audience?

Yes, I have realized that comedy and family entertainers are my forte. It is fun to work on a similar genre that has found a place in everyone’s heart.

Ajay Devgn will be the hero but what about the rest of the cast?

Nothing is finalised as yet. However, it will be backed by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.

You have always shot your films in Goa. What is the fascination for the place?

I really don’t know. However, each time I find it has some beautiful locations. There is a feel-good thing about the place. Moreover, Mumbai, I feel, has been exposed too much in our films. The traffic is a hindrance. The permissions required to shoot here are not easily obtained. Shooting outside Mumbai means we get to explore and exploit new places, while the entire unit is together so friendship is obvious and the working atmosphere is smooth.

Will you be shooting Golmaal 3 as well in Goa?

That is yet to be decided.

Will you ever make a film without Ajay starring in it?

Why not? Provided there is a right script.

What, according to you, was reason for the success of All The Best?

I think it had the right feel to make it a success. When I was making the film, I had a feeling that it would work. But when it was released, we were all shocked at the opening. It was just 40 percent. And by evening it picked up and how! It ran successfully for five continuous weeks and is still doing well.

Following the success of All The Best, are you planning its sequel as well?

Ajay wants to produce one but we are still deciding on it.

Do you agree that comedy is your forte now?

I am not here to prove a point. I want to make simple films. I believe that we need to project our films in the right way irrespective of their box-office impacts. It was with Golmaal that people began to respect me and take me seriously as a director. And now with the success of All The Best, there is no looking back.

Which is that one moment that you have cherished over the years?

There are many. Golmaal Returns was released at the time of recession. After four days of its release, I visited Chandan cinema, in Mumbai. A black-marketeer recognised me. He came over and hugged me for making the film. Even a watchman of some theatre called to congratulate me.

Golmaal 3 and All The Best 2, have you planned anything after that?

Yes. Golmaal 4 and All The Best 3, so on and so forth. (Laughing) My life is set, for sure.

Quelle: http://www.screenindia.com/news/Third-time-lucky-/555324/

By: Upala KBR Date: 2010-03-08 Place: Mumbai

Ajay Devgn in a quick Q&A about his film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, the inspirations, and a (how to deal with) guests guide

Everybody knows how touchy Ajay Devgn is about anyone intruding in his private space. We decided to find out how he would react if an unwanted 'atithi' dropped in at his home -- like Paresh Rawal does in his latest film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? The actor, who is known as the new king of comedy (with his last three releases doing well) speaks...

Have you ever had an atithi like the one in the film?
No, I have been very lucky not to have one like that. And people say I am very fortunate. During the making of the film, everyone on the set had horror stories to reveal about some unwanted guest in their home, in the form of a sasur, a friend or a relative who came over but didn't want to leave.

Have you incorporated any real- life experiences of yours in Atithi?
No, because I didn't have any such experience but a cousin of mine had this unwanted guest who stayed over for three months and I have used bits and pieces of his story as inspiration.

If you had an unwanted atithi, how would you get him to leave?
I guess I'd be blunt and just ask him to leave! In the film, we have tried everything from getting the underworld to calling the cops, lying and requesting but Paresh's character never takes the hint.

As an atithi in someone's house what are the rules you'd live by?
The most important rule is to ensure that you don't cause them any discomfort in their own home. Most of the rime when I am travelling, I prefer staying in a hotel even if I have friends and relatives in the locality. I can spend the whole day with them and at night, come back to my own space. Relations don't get disturbed in this way.

What are the three rules every good atithi should follow?
A good guest should know when it's the right time to leave. Not to invade the host's personal space. And lastly, not to take the host for granted. Some hosts object to their guest treating their personal belongings as their own but I think that depends on how close the friend is.

If you could call three people from history to be your atithi, who would you choose?
No one. I would have loved to meet some people from history but not as guests in my house as I don't know how good they would be as guests. I would like to meet them on a middle ground.

Anyone from the film industry -- like Shah Rukh Khan?
Why should I name anyone particular? There are many friends in the film industry who I'd love to have as guests. They are all welcome as long as they know when to leave.

Are houseguests in the Devgn home a rarity or a common feature?
A rarity. Many people come for dinner but don't stay over.

Would you ever give up your bedroom for a guest?
No. But then it can depend on who the guest is. The guest and I both have to be comfortable. If there's any discomfort, you shouldn't have guests over.

Who is more hospitable -- your parents or you and Kajol?
All of us are equally welcoming when guests come over.

Does Nysa love having guests over, like the child in the film?
Yes she likes people and is comfortable with people around her age group. She also loves having her aunts and cousins coming over.

What's the one thing that a guest could do to annoy you?
Anyone who misbehaves at my home will annoy me! I dislike rude, unpleasant behaviour of any sort.

Who is the one guest who is always welcome in your house? And why?
My whole family -- I have a very big family consisting of aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Anyone who is close to me is always welcome at my house. My friends don't need to be formal. They can come over any time they want.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/201...m-Kab-Jaoge.htm

Posted: Friday , Mar 05, 2010 at 0808 hrs

Ajay Devgn’s diary for 2010 is choc-a-bloc…

Ajay Devgn has become the king of comedies, literally. He seems to be enjoying it more than action, which was his earlier forte. After the success of Golmaal- Fun Unlimited, Golmaal Returns and All The Best, he is set to rock with Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, another comedy.

“Right scripts have been coming my way and I find myself enjoying comedies as much as action films. Perfect timing coupled with the right dose of humour brings out the best in any actor. Fortunately, I seem to have found a right footing here,” says Ajay during a long distance call from Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu where he is shooting for Priyadarshan’s film Garam Hawa.

Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, he says, is a comedy, but with a touch of emotion. “It falls in the Hrishikesh Mukherjee genre. I am not comparing this film with his work, yet I would like to say that the feel and the emotions will be liked by all. It has clean humour yet quite ribtickling. A sweet film, it will have people coming out of the theatres smiling and laughing,” promises Ajay, who has been a fan of Hrishida and manages to catch his films whenever he finds the time. “All his films are great and Chupke Chupke is one of my favourites,” shares Ajay.

The actor, who plays the character of Puneet in the film, says that it is about today’s life in a city. Puneet and Munmun are married and live in Mumbai with their son. They are a working couple and so support and help each other in every way, right from household chores to paying the bills and so on. They lead a busy life and when there is a visitor in the house from the village who later refuses to go back but keeps making various demands, the couple faces a major dilemma. Asked whether he has ever faced such a problem in real life where an atithi refused to go back, Ajay laughs saying, “Thankfully, I have never encountered it. But I know many people who had to face so much of pareshaani because of unwanted callers at their homes.” It was these experiences that were incorporated to the film, he says.

Atithi…has Konkona Sen Sharma as Ajay’s wife and Paresh Rawal as the unwanted guest. “I worked with Konkona in Omkara, but this is the first time that we have been paired together. She is a fantastic actress and for the character of Munmun, we wanted someone who made the character look real. We had a good subject and wanted to make people laugh. But every time we faced the camera to can a scene, both Konkona and I would burst out laughing because our lines were very funny. It took both of us two days to settle down before we gave perfect shots,” recalls the actor who matched steps with Paresh Rawal, the genius in comedy.

According to Ajay, Paresh has a brilliant sense of timing and the two got along very well and because director Ashwini Dhir is a good writer himself, the film has come out just perfect. Ajay lets us know that they started shooting the film in November 2009. “And it is ready for release in March, in record time. That is how systematic things were while shooting,” He adds that Atithi... targets the single screen as well as the multiplex audience.

Talking about Warner Bros Pictures, the National award winner says that they have done their best to give whatever the film deserved. The producer of Atithi… is the young Amita Pathak. “As she is Kumar Mangat’s daughter, I have known her since a long time. She is taking keen interest in filmmaking and is a fast learner. I never needed to help her as her father was also there for her, but I was always there whenever she wanted any guidance. Like a true producer she was always present on the sets,” states the actor who is known for being a prankster on the sets.

When asked what he was up to while shooting for Atithi, Ajay laughs saying that the entire shooting was hilarious so there was not about just one but many funny moments. “Of the scenes that I found the funniest is of the Ramayan wherein I played, of all people, Ravan, Paresh was Hanuman and Konkona became Mandodari. It was the Lanka scene and was quite maddening while shooting for it.”

Ajay has an excellent line-up of films for the year. While his 3D animation film Toonpur Ka Superhero is complete and will soon hit the theatres, Golmaal 3 takes off in April in Goa. To be directed by his favourite pal, Rohit Shetty, it will also have Kareena Kapoor, Kunal Khemu, Shreyas Talpade, Mithun Chakraborty and Ratna Pathak Shah in the cast. Arshad Warsi seems to have patched up with Ajay and Rohit as he has an important role in the film. “It was not a major issue and has now been settled amicably,” says Ajay dismissively. Of Golmaal 3, the actor says, “It will be even funnier, a step ahead of what we have already done. An added advantage is that the film will have a lot of relationships, a touch of emotion and bonding.” It will release during Diwali, a tradition that they have been following lately. And the sequel to All The Best will go on floors by the year end.

All this has Ajay itching to do an action and the actor has once again teamed with Rohit to remake the Malayalam film Puthiya Mugham in Hindi. The shooting for this yet untitled campus-based film will commence in October or November. Rajneeti is another film that Ajay is looking forward to with another favourite filmmaker Prakash Jha. He is also playing a smuggler-turned-film producer in Milan Luthria’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, a character that has been inspired by Haji Mastan.

Then there is Priyadarshan’s Garam Hawa that has Bipasha Basu, Akshaye Khanna and Amita Pathak in the cast. Talking about the long spell in Karaikudi for the film, Ajay says, he did not enjoy it as it was a small village where the shooting took place. The weather was too hot and the unit had to stay in a private bungalow owned by a lady. As there was no gym around, Ajay had to convert a room in the bungalow into a gym with equipments that he hauled from Mumbai.

When queried about the controversy that surrounded his wife Kajol’s last release My Name Is Khan, Ajay says, “I have been away from Mumbai for a long time. First I was at my farmhouse in Karjat and then I went to Karaikudi where there was nothing to keep us posted. I have not yet seen the film so it is difficult for me to comment.”

So is it true that he has taken a keen interest in plantation of vegetables at his farmhouse. Ajay laughs heartily, “It is my mother, who has been doing it for over twenty years. I have only been helping her in my little way.”

Quelle: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-ki...-devgn/587189/1

By: Upala KBR Date: 2010-04-02 Place: Mumbai

Ajay talks about his 41st birthday today, about fatherhood and more...

Ajay Devgn will be celebrating his 41st birthday in Dubai today. After six months of continuous shooting Devgn will be relaxing with wife Kajol, Nysa, his parents and sisters (along with their families). Besides his last two releases -- All The Best and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge -- being hits at the BO, the actor has reason to celebrate -- Kajol and he are soon to turn proud parents again.

Over to the b'day boy:

What's the birthday plan this year?

I really don't celebrate my birthdays. My family likes to celebrate them and Nysa had her Easter holidays so we are all heading to Dubai. I don't even cut cakes on my birthday. I find it childish and stupid. I let the kids do the honours.

Any marked changes in you in the last few years?

No. I am the same -- maybe only adapting with changing times. I have got more media-savvy, and become more accessible and open. Where work is concerned, I am lucky enough to have worked with some of the best directors and learnt many things from them as an actor. Now I use their techniques often when I am stuck while portraying a particular scene.

Readying for fatherhood again?

Yes, but it's too early to talk about it. At the moment, I am just keeping quiet about it even though (of course) I am thrilled!

Does Nysa know a sibling is on the way?

Of course, she knows...

Ever worry about getting old?

No, I am very happy. Frankly, I don't understand the concept of getting older. Career-wise, I am doing fine -- I have five releases lined up this year.... And I am fitter than I was at 20 or 30. Now I am working out and pushing weights much more than what I did earlier. I am feeling much more confident and secure than what I was ever before. I have enough to feel secure about.

Sanjay Dutt and you were in talks to buying an IPL team, right?

Yes -- we were -- along with our partners but then decided against it as it didn't make sense business-wise. The bid amount was irrational and would have been a loss-making venture for us. Everyone has his own reasons for buying a team but we were not a corporate firm to invest such huge sums of money.

As we grow older, we become more like our parents. True?

Yes. In a way you start thinking the way your parents did. I think I have become like both (Veeru and Veena Devgn) of them. When I was young, I used to resent my father for telling me what to do. Today, I feel maybe he was right, especially when it comes to decisions concerning your own child. You start worrying and feel more responsible. I spoil Nysa but then I draw the line also. Of course, it's Kajol more than me who lays down the rules. I have become more responsible and do things for more for my family like she does.

Do you worry about the future in films, as all actors are growing older?

No. The younger lot will replace the older ones and that is natural. Indian cinema has been changing for past few years gradually and it's a welcome change.

But would you do small-budget cinema like LSD?

Why not? I was doing small films when no other actor had the balls to do them. Haven't I done films like Raincoat, Zakhm and Takshak?

You have five more releases this year -- Raajneeti, Golmaal 3, Toonpur Ka Superhero, Once Upon A Time, and Garam Hawa. Comment.

I am not feeling insecure with all releases coming together because I am very confident of all of them. And this is not the first time. In many years, I have had around five releases in a year. I am very lucky to do as much as I can. Priyan's film is not called Garam Hawa anymore. The name has been changed to Aakrosh.

You have had two hits in six months -- All The Best and Atithi.

Yes, it's been a fantastic time for me. But if you notice I have always had super hits for four out of every five releases that I have done. It's just that I don't know how to tom-tom that. I am uncomfortable screaming and shouting about my success like some actors do. Maybe it is a minus point for me but I can't change now.

Do you feel that your spelling change was successful for you?

I really don't know. I had done it as my mom had wanted me to do it not for success or money but for my health but if people are connecting the change to success it's good enough for me.

You have been doing consistently well in the last few years but it's always the Khan (Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman) who are said to rule the industry today. Do you feel the same?

No. The kind of films we are being offered is equally good and so are the B-O returns. I feel everybody has his own place in the industry and we are all doing well in our own ways. I don't see competition from others. I compete with myself. All I know is that when people talk about my films being hits, I feel vindicated.

Who is your favourite Khan?

I get along with all of them. Whenever I meet Aamir and Salman meet we hit it off well. I don't know Shah Rukh so well as I don't meet him much but when we do we are cordial. I get along very well with Saif too.

That's such a politically correct statement.

I don't do or say things that are controversial o keep me in the limelight. And I don't need controversies to give me publicity. I don't mess around with anybody and nobody has the guts to mess around with me.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I really don't know… I know that mentally I am growing in the right direction and I am happy with the way my career is going. But yes maybe in a few years I will start cutting down on my films. I will do good and limited work.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/201...rhood-films.htm