This story is from January 18, 2008

I’m just plain lazy: Ajay

TNN / Jan 18, 2008, 00:00 IST

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

doweshowbellyad=0; Ajay (TOi Photo) More pics“In Halla Bol, we show how fame and power can change a person’s mindset,” says Ajay.
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 per cent 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?
n (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.
n I don’t socialise much but I have my set of friends in the industry.
You were never media-savvy...
n It’s not like that, I’m just plain lazy.
Kunal M Shah

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