Ajay Devgn: Our Industry Has Changed; There Was More Warmth Before

“I think every role is challenging (for me). As an actor, when you wake up in the morning and go on the sets you don’t plan your day like ‘today I am going to enter this genre’,” Ajay said at the fifth edition of CII Big Picture Summit 2016, held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old star, who is the husband of Bollywood actress Kajol, shared that an actor has nothing to do with a genre of a film and what matters is just performing in front of the camera.

“An actor has nothing to do with genre. He becomes that character when in front of the camera and performs,” he added.

Ajay, who made his Bollywood debut over two decades ago with the film Phool Aur Kaante, says he has seen a good change in the Hindi film industry.

The National Award winning star, who has worked in hits like Ishq, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Drishyam, says that the industry has become very professional.

Asked if he has seen a change in the industry in his over a two-decade long career, Ajay said, “It’s really changed. We (actors) have started taking our work very seriously and in 90’s we all were doing…We weren’t allowed shoot for more than 11 films….There were no promotions, no vanity vans…Everything has gradually changed. It’s become more professional.”

“I think everything has changed for the good except for one thing,” he added.

But the Gangaajal star shared there was more warmth in the industry before.

“I think there was more warmth (in the industry). Everybody liked everybody. There were no problems and no issues…I miss that warmth. That’s the major change, which I see today,” added the actor, who was here to promote his forthcoming film Shivaay.

Ajay has acted in, directed and co-produced Shivaay. The film, which is slated to release on October 28 around the auspicious occasion of Diwali, will clash at the box office with filmmaker Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

The film also stars Sayyeshaa Saigal, Erika Kaar, Vir Das and Girish Karnad.