Ajay Devgan, also credited as Ajay Devgn is an Indian Bollywood actor, film director and producer

Ajay Devgan, also credited as Ajay Devgn is an Indian Bollywood actor, film director and producer. He is widely considered as one of the popular actors of Hindi cinema who has appeared in over a hundred Hindi films. Ajay Devgn born as Vishal Veeru Devgan is an Indian actor popular in bollywood. He has established himself as one of the leading actors, directors and producers in the industry. He has started his career as a child artist with the movie "Pyari Behna". Early in his career, Devgn was recognised as an action star and was quick to break the stereotype by picking out a variety of roles that allowed him to experiment with his talent. He is the first Indian who owns a Maserati Quattroporte. He has recently won the Padma Shri award. Ajay Devgn was born on 2 April, 1969 in New Delhi to the famous director and action choreographer Veeru Devgan and Veena Devgan. He studied in alumnus of the Silver Beach High School in Juhu and Mithibai College. Devgn has starred in more than 80 Hindi films. In 2003, he won "National Film Award" in Best Actor category for his portrayal of Bhagat Singh in the biopic "The Legend of Bhagat Singh". He became the first Bollywood personality to acquire a private jet for travelling to shooting locations, promotions and personal trips. As per the latest reports, Andhra Pradesh has picked Ajay Devgn as its brand ambassador. He agreed to be the brand ambassador of AP to promote the state's tourism and culture. His wife Kajol would be the co-promoter. Shivaay, which is Ajay's second directorial after U, Me Aur Hum promises to be an action packed flick opposite Sayesha, who is the grand-niece of Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar. He will also be seen in the flick Baadshaho which is being directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Bhushan Kumar under the banner of T-Series and Vertex Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd. The movie features Ajay Devgan, Shruti Hassan and Lisa Haydon in lead roles. Devgn began dating Kajol in 1994, while filming for Gundaraj. Media had labeled them an "unlikely pair" due to their contrasting personalities. On 24 February 1999, they were married in a traditional Maharashtrian style ceremony at Devgn's house. The couple has two children, daughter Nysa and son Yug. Ajay Devgn has bagged several awards in his acting career. In 1991, he made his debut as a lead actor in "Phool Aur Kaante" which made him won Filmfare award. In 1992, he starred in bollywood martial arts action romantic film "Jigar" alongside Karisma Kapoor, which was seventh highest grossing movie of the year at boxoffice. He later set up a production company known as Ajay Devgn Films Productions. Its first film was Raju Chacha in 2000 starring Devgn and Kajol in lead. In 2002, he gave a critically acclaimed performance in the movie "Deewangee" for which he received the Filmfare "Best Villain Award". In 2008, he debuted as a film director with "U Me Aur Hum". Throughout his career he has performed in many critically and commercially successful films including Raincoat (2004), Yuva (2004), Omkara (2006), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Golmaal Returns (2008), Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), Singham (2011), Bol Bachchan (2012), Drishyam (2015) and many more. Ajay Devgn's father Veeru Devgan was a well known stunt choreographer and his mother Veena Devgan a film producer. His brother Anil Devgan is a Hindi film director. Their daughter Nysa was born on 20 April 2003 and son Yug was born on 13 September 2010. In August 2009, his surname was changed to its current spelling (Devgn) from its more well known "Devgan" at the request of his family. Devgan began his professional career with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991 and received a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his performance.[6][7] He then starred in successful films such as Jigar (1992), Dilwale (1994), Suhaag (1994), Naajayaz (1995), Diljale(1996) and Ishq (1997). In 1998, he appeared in a critically acclaimed performance in Mahesh Bhatt's drama Zakhm and he received his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in the movie. In 1999, his most-talked-about film was Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in which he played Vanraj, a man who tries to unite his wife with her lover.

In the early 2000s he gave critically acclaimed performances in Ram Gopal Varma's fictional expose of Mumbai underworldCompany. He played the character of a gangster, for which he won Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. The same year he gave another critically acclaimed performance in Deewangee for which he received the Filmfare Best Villain Award. In 2003, he won his second National Film Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bhagat Singh in Rajkumar Santoshi's biopic The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Throughout his career he has performed in many critically and commercially successful films including Raincoat (2004),"Gangajal, (2004), Yuva (2004), Apaharan (2005), Omkara (2006), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Golmaal Returns (2008), All the Best: Fun Begins (2009), Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), Golmaal 3 (2010), Raajneeti (2010), Singham (2011), Bol Bachchan (2012), Son of Sardaar (2012), Singham Returns (2014) and Drishyam (2015) . He has starred in more than 80 Hindi films. Having done so, he established himself as one of the leading actors of Bollywood.[8][9][10]

In addition, Devgn owns a production company Ajay Devgn Films which was established in 2000. In 2008 he debuted as a film director with U Me Aur Hum.

He married Indian film actress, Kajol in 1999 and the couple have two children. In August 2009, Devgn changed his surname from 'Devgan' to 'Devgn' on the request of his family.[11]

Devgan was born to a Punjabi family[12] of Delhi and originally of Amritsar.[12] The family has connections to the Hindi film industry in Mumbai. Devgan's father, Veeru Devgan, is a stunt choreographer and action film director and his mother, Veena, is a film producer. Devgan's brother, Anil Devgan, is a Hindi film director. Devgan graduated from the Silver Beach High School in Juhu and Mithibai College. In 1995, Devgan's relationship with his wife, Kajol, began whilst they were co-starring in Gundaraj.[13] The media called them "an unlikely pair" due to their contrasting personalities.[14][15] On 24 February 1999, the couple married in a traditional Maharashtrian ceremony at the Devgan home.[16][17]

The couple has two children. Their daughter was born in 2003[18] and their son was born in 2010.[19][20][21] Devgan and Kajol stored their newborn son's umbilical cord blood and tissues to act as a source of stem cells in case of serious ailment.[22] In August 2009, Devgan changed his surname to a new spelling, Devgn, at the request of his family.[23][24][25] Devgan was the first Bollywood personality to own a private jet for transport to shooting locations, to promotions and for personal trips.[26]

In 1991, Devgan began his professional career in Phool Aur Kaante and received a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.[27][28] He costarred with Madhoo.[29] In his opening scene, Devgan performed a split while balancing between two motorcycles, in the style of an action hero. His next film was Jigar (1992), a Bollywood martial arts film co-starringKarisma Kapoor. It was released on Diwali weekend and became the seventh highest grossing movie of that year, taking ₹7 crore (US$1.0 million) at the box office.[29]

In 1993, Devgan starred in Dil Hai Betaab, a movie about a love triangle and romantic themes such as revenge. He next featured in Divya Shakti[30] and then Sangram, the story of the enmity between two fathers.[31] Devgan then worked with Deepak Bahry who directed the action film Ek Hi Raasta,[32][33] and with Deepak Pawar who directed Platform. Other releases that year were Shaktiman, Dhanwan and Bedardi.

In 1994, Devgan starred in Harry Baweja's romantic action movie Dilwale. He played the part of Arun Saxena, a man with intellectual impairment. The movie was the tenth highest grossing movie of the year.[34] His next release was Kanoon and then Kuku Kohli's Suhaag with Akshay Kumar. The movie was about two friends. Devgan played Ajay Sharma/Malhotra. Suhaag was the seventh highest grossing movie of the year.[34] His next film was Vijaypath. Shooting dates for Vijaypath clashed with those of Karan Arjunwhich Devgan declined. Vijaypath was the eighth highest grossing film of the year.[34]

In 1995, Devgan appeared in Mahesh Bhatt's movie Naajayaz and then Hulchul directed by Milan Luthria. Kajol co-starred.[35] Devgan and Kajol then appeared in Gundaraj which did not perform well at the boxoffice.[35] His next release was Haqeeqat[35] costarring with Tabu. This film was the eleventh highest grossing movie of the year.[35]

In 1996, Devgan starred in an action movie Jung with Mithun Chakraborty, Rambha and Aditya Pancholi. His next release was an action movie called Jaan[36] with Twinkle Khanna. He then starred in Harry Baweja's film, Diljale where he played a terrorist character called Shaka.[36]

In 1997, Devgan starred in a poorly received movie, Itihaas with Twinkle Khanna. His next release was Indra Kumar's romantic comedy, Ishq with Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla andKajol. In this successful film, Devgan played Ajay, a rich boy in love with a poor girl (Kajol).[37] The film grossed ₹30 crore (US$4.5 million). The film was the fourth highest grossing film of the year.[37][38]

In 1998, Devgan gave a critically acclaimed performance in Mahesh Bhatt's drama, Zakhm and received his first National Film Award for Best Actor. In 1999, in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devgan played Vanraj, a man who tries to unite his wife with her lover. Devgan then starred in Major Saab with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre where he played the character of an army officer. The movie was successful and was the tenth highest grossing film of the year.[39] He next starred with Kajol in Anees Bazmee's second film, the romantic comedy Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, a remake of the Hollywood hit French Kiss. It grossed 302,500,000 Indian rupees.[39] Devgan's next release was Mahesh Bhatt's Zakhm. The plot examines communal tension in Mumbai during riots. Devgan played a man who is fed up with religious conflict. Devgan won several awards for his performance, including the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Star Screen Award for Best Actor.[40]

In 1999, Devgan starred in the romantic drama Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, in which he played Vanraj, a man who tries to help his wife (Aishwarya Rai) reunite with her lover (Salman Khan). Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam marked a significant turning point Devgan's career. The film, an adaptation of Maitreyi Devi's Bengali novel Na Hanyate, was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starred Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Devgan was highly praised for his performance. Rediff said, "Ajay's role reminds you of one he did in another film, Pyar Tho Hona Hi Tha. There he is searching for the boyfriend of the girl he secretly loves. But intense scenes are his forte and he does well here. He's particularly good in the scene where he gets exasperated with his wife's stubbornness and strives to keep his cool."[41] The movie was successful and Devgn was nominated for the Filmfare best actor award. After that, he appeared in Hindustan Ki Kasam with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre.[42] He then worked with the director Milan Luthria in Kachche Dhaage with Saif Ali Khan and Manisha Koirala. The movie was a box-office hit.[42] He then performed in the successful movie Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet, a romantic comedy[42] and then in his home production movie with Kajol and the director, Prakash Jha. The film was titled Dil Kya Kare. His other movies in 1999 were Gair and Thakshak in which he played a strong, silent man.

In 2000, Devgan performed in Harry Baweja's Deewane. The film did not do well at the box office.[43] In the same year, Devgan starred in his first home production Raju Chacha with Kajol. The film was moderately successful.[43]

In 2001, Devgan starred in another moderately successful film, Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke with Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta.[44] His next release was Lajja, with Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. He was nominated for the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award. However, the film was not popular with the public.[44] Mahesh Manjrekar's Tera Mera Saath Rahen followed.

In 2002, Devgan performed in Ram Gopal Varma's fictional examination of the Mumbai underworld in the film Company. Devgan played a gangster named Malik. Both Company and Devgan's performance received critical acclaim. Taran Adarsh reviewed, "Ajay Devgn enacts his role to perfection. A controlled performance, the actor takes to this complex character like a fish takes to water. He underplays his part with admirable ease."[45] Devgan was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actor Award and won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.[46]Devgan's next release was David Dhawan's comedy Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, with Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai.[46]The same year, he played the role of Bhagat Singh, in Rajkumar Santoshi's biopic The Legend of Bhagat Singh.[47] His performance was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said, "Ajay Devgn has lived the role. To state that he is excellent would be an understatement. His performance is bound to win admiration from cinegoers, besides fetching awards."[48] The film was released on 7 June 2002 and went on to win two National Film Awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, and three Filmfare Awards, including theFilmfare Critics Award for Best Movie. Despite these awards, and Devgan winning his second National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance, the film was not popular with the public.[46] Devgan went on to perform in Anees Bazmee's Deewangee. The film was partially inspired by William Diehl's novel, Primal Fear. The film earned Devgan several awards for his role including a Filmfare Best Villain Award, the Star Screen Award for Best Villain and the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role. The film was a success at the box office.[46]

In 2003, Devgan starred in Ram Gopal Verma's horror film Bhoot, opposite Urmila Matondkar. The film was appreciated critically and performed well at the box office.[49] He then starred in the action thriller Qayamat: City Under Threat with the actress debutante, Neha Dhupia. The film was a commercial success.[49] Devgan next performed in Milan Luthria's romantic film Chori Chori opposite Rani Mukherji and Sonali Bendre. This film did not succeed at the box office.[49] Devgan's next release of the year was Prakash Jha'sGangaajal. The film was set in the time of the blinding incident in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Rediff.com said, "Ajay Devgan pulls up an ace with a part tailormade to reinforce his seething-under-the-surface angry hero image. To his credit (and the director's), he brings style and grace to a largely stereotypical, righteous protagonist. To a great extent, his presence covers up the film's patchiness in the second half."[50] Devgan was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actor Award for this performance. He then worked in Rohit Shetty's directional debut Zameen[51] and J. P. Dutta's war film LOC Kargil.

In 2004, Devgan was cast with Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Akshay Kumar in Rajkumar Santoshi's action thriller Khakee. The film was released on 23 January 2004. It received positive reviews and became one of the highest grossing films of 2004.[52] In Khakee, Devgan once again played a villain. His performance as a police officer turned murderer was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said, "Ajay Devgan adds yet another feather in his cap with a performance that could've been played only by a master performer. His confrontations with Amitabh Bachchan are exemplary."[53] Later in 2004, Devgan appeared in Indra Kumar's Masti: Sanam Teri Kasam. He also starred inYuva.[54][55][56]

Devgan next collaborated with Rituparno Ghosh in the relationship drama Raincoat with Aishwaraya Rai. The film is an adaptation of O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi. Raincoatmet with wide critical acclaim and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.[57][58] Devgan was praised for his performance. Rediff said, "Hesitation, desperation, humiliation – Ajay Devgn conveys them eloquently. His Manoj is no cool dude, but just another lower middle-class guy in misery, with whom none would like to switch place. He particularly stands out in the scenes where he cries in the bathroom, or begs Neeru not to marry someone else."[57] In 2004, Devgan was also seen in a cameo appearance inTaarzan: The Wonder Car.

2005 was a less successful year for Devgan. His movies were not financially successful. They included Insan, Blackmail, Main Aisa Hi Hoon, Tango Charlie and Shikhar. However, the films Kaal and Apaharan did well. For his performance in Apaharan, Devgn was nominated for the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Best Actor Award. His performance as a villain in Kaal also earned him a nomination for the Filmfare Best Villain Award.[59]

In 2006 Devgan played Othello in Omkara, an Hindi adaptation of William Shakespeare's Othello. It was directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The film is a tragedy of sexual jealousy set against the backdrop of the political system in Uttar Pradesh. It premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and was screened at the Cairo International Film Festival.[60][61]Omkara was well received by critics. Rediff said, "Othello is a tricky role, a leading man eclipsed by the villain. Yet the Moor is a brooding and compelling character, and Ajay Devgn does valiantly with his material. Omkara strips Othello of the racism, exchanging his black skin for surprisingly inconsequential half-Brahminism. Ajay's best bits are when restrained, and while there is a bit of a seen-that feel to his character, by the time the film is over, you realise just how unflinchingly solid he's been."[62] Taran Adarsh said, "Ajay makes a stirring and powerful interpretation of a man haunted by uncertainty about his lover's faithfulness. The serious look that Ajay carries suits him to the T. Of course, Ajay is exceptional in the film and looks every inch the character he portrays."[63]

In 2006, Devgan also starred in Rohit Shetty's Golmaal. It had two sequels Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3. In the same year, Devgan was featured in a short documentary about the Mumbai floods of 2005 titled The Awakening.[64]

In 2007 Devgan starred in two movies, director Anubhav Sinha's action thriller Cash and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.

In 2008, Devgan performed in the social film Halla Bol, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Also in the cast were Pankaj Kapoor and Vidya Balan.[65][66] The film is based on the life of activist Safdar Hashmi, who was killed in 1989 by political rivals while performing in the street play, Halla Bol.[67] The film received harsh reviews.