Ajay Devgan with Kareena Kapoor in the ‘dark’ film, Omkara, and with Rimmi in the comedy, Golmaal

‘Someone who can speak with his eyes can even mesmerise a stone” — the ancient saying by a philosopher of yore goes best with actor Ajay Devgan. This is one actor who has never resorted to gimmicks in order to carve a niche for himself in Bollywood. “He is an actor whose eyes are enough to tell you what it is that he wants to say,” comments director Kuku Kohli who gave him his first commercial break with Phool Aur Kaante some 15 years ago.

In fact, when he started out with the low-key Phool Aur Kaante, people wrote him off saying he is just a one-film wonder and would not survive long. He was even accused of being a “bad looker” because of his unconventional looks. But today, the same critics are eating their words. Be it the biggie, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, where he starred alongside the good-looking pair of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai or the critically acclaimed Zakhm for which he won a National Award, Ajay has always managed to hold his own against any ‘opposition’.

With a variety of portrayals ranging from a patriotic freedom fighter (The Legend of Bhagat Singh), to the freewheeling hilarious characters (Golmaal and Masti), to crusader against system (GangaaJal), to mentally challenged father (Main Aisa Hi Hoon), to the blood-thirsty negative character in the latest Omkara, Ajay has proved his mettle as one of the most versatile actors in Indian film industry.

The two-time National Award-winning actor, Ajay speaks on what it took to get into the skin of Othello in the Indian version, Omkara. Never mind his short and just-to-the-point answers given the fact that he does most of his talking through his eyes.

Q:Let’s start with your role in Omkara...

I am playing the title role and Saif, Viveik, Kareena, Bipasha and Konkona are starring alongside me. And if you want to hear — my character is based on Shakespeare’s Othello.

Q:Would you throw some light on your role as Omi Bhaiya?

Omi Bhaiya or Omkara has this onscreen conflict with Saif who is playing the character of Langda Tyagi, also called Tyagi Bhaiya. To know more, you will have to watch the film.

Q:Aren’t you jittery about the fate of your film?

No.

Q:Isn’t your attitude a little too blunt?

Yeah! I’ve always had this kind of attitude and that’s how I am. I just like to work to the best of my ability and leave the rest to others (smiles for the first time). Look, why break your head and tax yourself unnecessarily by pondering over the result.

Q:You mean to say you don’t get tense before the release of your film at all? No Friday jitters!

No, Fridays are like any other day for me. Yes, I do get a little anxious, but then again, I don’t stress myself with unwanted thoughts.

Q:What is that one thing in you that gives you the tag of a versatile actor?

Well! I only do my job, that’s all. The tags are given by people like you (smiles again). Seriously, it’s the audiences who are entitled to pass judgement. Like in The Legend of Bhagat Singh, I didn’t like my work, but viewers found it to be very good. I, on my part, always try to put in my best. For example, in my comic films I’ve tried to maintain the balance in the dialogues and my body language which is a must in order to make others laugh.

Q:And how did you prepare for Omkara?

In Omkara, I have tried to maintain the intricacies of the character throughout. Omkara, as a character is very down-to-earth and Vishal [Bhardwaj] has been very supportive and instrumental in portraying the character aesthetically.

Q:Your character in Omkara is said to be very aggressive and reportedly you have portrayed it quite convincingly. Is it because aggression comes to you naturally or you find being aggressive very convenient?

Nothing like that. Any role has to be portrayed in totality and the character must be presented according to what it demands. If Omkara was an aggressive character, it had to be presented that way.

Q:How was your experience working with Vishal?

About Vishal, I would like to say only one thing — he has done an impeccable job. Right from the word ‘go’, he was very clear about what he wanted and depicted each and every scene very aesthetically. To add, I’ve put in perfection from my end. For instance, my moustache was a strong demand for enhancing the character, so I grew it. Every minute detail has to be considered to bring out the best in a character. We have done what we needed to, now the rest, the audiences will decide.

Q:You have grown up as an actor with every passing character. Do you see Omkara as yet another turning point in your life?

I would be anxious to know the response first (laughs). As for turning points in my life, it’s a gradual process. Now whether Omkara will be a turning point in my life or not is something I don’t know. But I did the film because its story appealed to me a lot and I was sure it would be appreciated by the viewers. More than a turning point, Omkara was to live the character.

Q:How did you manage with the heavy accented diction for the film?

With regard to the dialect and mannerisms, workshops were arranged and we all attended them. And the result is in front of you.

Q:Has Kajol seen Omkara? What was her reaction?

Ask Kajol.

Q:Any plans to pair up with her in future?

If something comes our way, why not?

(Sampurn)