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''''''Italic text'''''{{Use British English|date=September 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}} {{Infobox person | name = AJ Devin | image = Ajay Devgn.jpg | image size = | caption = Devgn in 2014 | birth_name = Vishal Devgan | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1969|4|2}} | birth_place = [[New Delhi]], India | residence = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]] | nationality = | occupation = Actor, producer, director | religion = | ethnicity = | children = 2 | parents = [[Veeru Devgan]]<br/>Veena | relatives = See [[List of Hindi film clans#Devgan family|Devgan family]] | awards = [[Padma Shri]] (2016)<ref>http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajinikanth-awarded-padma-vibhushan-padma-shri-for-priyanka-chopra-ajay-devgn/</ref> | years active = 1991–present | othername = Raju, AJ | spouse = {{marriage|[[Kajol]]|1999}} | education = [[Mithibai College]] }} '''Vishal Devgan''' (born 2 April 1969),<ref>[http://www.koimoi.com/actor/ajay-devgn/ "Ajay Devgn."] Koimoi.com Accessed 29 June 2013.</ref> known professionally as '''Ajay Devgn''',<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/Ajay-Devgn-turns-41/Article1-525859.aspx "Ajay Devgn turns 41."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127072446/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Ajay-Devgn-turns-41/Article1-525859.aspx |date=27 January 2011 }} Hindustan Times 2 April 2010.</ref> is an Indian film actor, director and producer. He is widely considered as one of the most popular actors of [[Hindi cinema]], who has appeared in over a [[Ajay Devgan filmography|hundred Hindi films]].<ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm "Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 17 August 2006. Accessed 26 January 2010.</ref><ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/08sld1.htm "Powerlist: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 8 December 2006. Accessed 26 January 2010.</ref><ref>[https://archive.is/20121209074403/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 "Box Office 2000s Decade in Review."] Ibos network.com 19 January 2010. Accessed 26 January 2010.</ref> Devgn has won [[List of awards and nominations received by Ajay Devgn|numerous accolades]], including two [[National Film Awards]] and four [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/feb/22award.htm | title=Shah Rukh, Ash, Ajay Devgan's rich haul | publisher=[[Rediff]] | work=Rediff webdesk | date=22 February 2003 | accessdate=6 January 2016 | author=[[Subhash K. Jha]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.awardsandshows.com/features/best-villain-70.html | title=Filmfare Awards for Best Actor In A Negative Role | publisher=Awards & Winners | accessdate=December 2, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, he was honoured by the [[Government of India]] with the [[Padma Shri]], the fourth-highest [[Indian honours system|civilian honour]] of the country.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/after-being-honored-with-a-padmashri-award-ajay-devgn-shares-a-sweet-message-for-his-fans-249832.html | title=After Being Honored With A Padmashri Award, Ajay Devgn Shares A Sweet Message For His Fans! | publisher=[[Times Internet]] | date=25 January 2016 | accessdate=28 January 2016 | author=Isha Sharma}}</ref> Devgn began his professional career with ''[[Phool Aur Kaante]]'' in 1991 and received a [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut]] for his performance.<ref name="1991 BO">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ== |title=Box Office 1991 |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=10 January 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ%3D%3D |archivedate=21 January 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= Sampurn Wire|title= Ajay Devgan a versatility expert|url= http://thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html|publisher= Thaindian.com|accessdate=7 June 2010}}</ref> He then starred in successful films such as ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), ''[[Dilwale (1994 film)|Dilwale]]'' (1994), ''[[Suhaag (1994 film)|Suhaag]]'' (1994), ''[[Naajayaz]]'' (1995), ''[[Diljale]]'' (1996) and ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|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 the [[Mumbai underworld]] ''[[Company (film)|Company]]''. 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 (film)|Raincoat]]'' (2004), ''[[Gangajal]]'', (2004), ''[[Yuva]]'' (2004), ''[[Apaharan]]'' (2005), ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|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), ''[[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam]]'' (2015) and ''[[Golmaal Again]]'' (2017). He has starred in more than a hundred Hindi films. Having done so, he has established himself as one of the leading actors of Hindi cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm |title=rediff.com: Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors |publisher=Rediff.com |date=17 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/08sld1.htm |title=rediff.com: The Powerlist: Top Bollywood Actors |publisher=Rediff.com |date=8 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20121209074403/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=9 December 2012 |title=Box Office 2000s Decade in Review – Top Actors, Actresses and Directors: Final Tallies and Standings |publisher=Ibosnetwork.com |date=19 January 2010 }}</ref> In addition, Devgn owns a production company [[Ajay Devgn FFilms]], which was established in 2000. In 2008, he debuted as a film director with ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]''. He is married to film actress [[Kajol]] since 1999 and the couple have two children. In August 2009, Devgn changed his surname from ''Devgan'' to ''Devgn'' on the request of his family.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ghose |first=Daliya |url=http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/happy-birthday-ajay-devgan/8799/ |title=Happy Birthday, Ajay Devgan &#124; Golmaal Returns |publisher=Bollywoodmantra.com |date=1 April 2012}}</ref> ==Early life and marriage== Devgn was born to a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] family<ref name="ajy"/> from [[Delhi]] but originally from [[Amritsar]].<ref name="ajy">[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/30ajay.htm "Ajay Devgn: I am a reserved person."] Rediff.com 31 December 2004. Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref> The family has connections to the [[Hindi film industry]] in [[Mumbai]]. Devgn's father, [[Veeru Devgan]], is a stunt choreographer and action film director and his mother, Veena, is a film producer. His brother, [[Anil Devgan]], is a filmmaker and screenwriter. Devgn graduated from the Silver Beach High School in [[Juhu]] and then studied at [[Mithibai College]]. [[File:Ajay and Kajol.jpg|thumb|left|Devgan with his wife [[Kajol]]]] In 1995, Devgn's relationship with his wife, [[Kajol]], began whilst they were co-starring in ''Gundaraj''.<ref name="India Today (2006)">[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html "After motherhood, Kajol returns in a role designed to unsettle filmdom's reigning deities."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005183624/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html |date=5 October 2013 }} India Today 22 May 2006.</ref> The media called them "an unlikely pair" due to their contrasting personalities.<ref name="Rediff (2011)">[http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-happiest-marriages-in-bollywood/20110523.htm "The Happiest marriages in Bollywood."] Rediff.com 23 March 2011. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref><ref name="Tribune India (2003)">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm "Bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder."] Tribune India.com 27 April 2003. Accessed 3 June 2010.</ref> On 24 February 1999, the couple married in a traditional Maharashtrian [[Hindu wedding|Hindu ceremony]] at the Devgan home.<ref name="Srnivasan (1999)">Srnivasan V. [http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/25kaj.htm "Quietly were they wed."] Rediff.com 25 February 1999. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref><ref name="Bhattacharya (2010)">Bhattacharya R. [https://archive.is/20130125065853/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chunk-ht-ui-homepage-tab3-02/Kajol-Ajay-the-perfect-couple/515850/H1-Article1-513911.aspx "Kajol, Ajay the perfect couple."] Hindustan Times.com 28 February 2010. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref> The couple has two children. Their daughter was born in 2003<ref name="Times of India (2003)">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-04-20/news-interviews/27274297_1_baby-girl-kajol-first-child "Kajol delivers baby girl."] Times of India.com 20 April 2003 Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref> and their son was born in 2010.<ref name="Times of India (2010)">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-13/news-interviews/28265481_1_baby-boy-ajay-devgn-congrats-ajay "Kajol, Ajay welcome baby boy."] Times of India 13 September 2010. Accessed 4 June 2002.</ref><ref>[http://tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm "It takes two tango bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030507210902/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm |date=7 May 2003 }} The Sunday Tribune.com, India 27 April 2003. Accessed 27 April 2003.</ref><ref name="Tribune India (2003)"/> Devgn 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.<ref>[http://bolly.sawfnews.com/actor.aspx?id=2 "Ajay Devgan's life."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818162212/http://bolly.sawfnews.com/actor.aspx?id=2 |date=18 August 2012 }} Sawfnews.com</ref> In August 2009, Devgn changed the spelling of his surname [[Devgan]] to ''Devgn'', at the request of his family. He is a practicing [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] [[Hindu]] who prominently wears a [[Rudraksha]] which, along with other religious themes, features in his films.<ref>[https://mdaily.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-ajay-devgn-conducts-shiv-puja-in-jaipur-with-kajol-4153558-NOR.html/ Insight Into Religious Views] - Account of Religious Practices</ref><ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-om-namah-shivaya-for-ajay-devgn-and-sanjay-dutt-1652427/ Reliable Account of Personal Life] - Religious Information</ref><ref>Ghose D. [http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/happy-birthday-ajay-devgan/8799/ "Happy Birthday, Ajay Devgan; Golmaal Returns."] Bollywoodmantra.com 1 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://sawfnews.com/bollywood/49497.aspx "Ajay devgn gets birthday surprise on Rock 'n Roll sets."] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20120715102213/http://sawfnews.com/bollywood/49497.aspx |date=15 July 2012 }} Sawfnews.com Accessed 1 April 2008.</ref><ref>Sinha S. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Extra-marital-affairs-happen-Ajay-Devgn/articleshow/5185495.cms "xtra-marital affairs happen: Ajay Devgn."] The Times of India 1 November 2009. Accessed 21 October 2010.</ref> Devgn was the first [[Bollywood]] personality to own a private jet for transport to shooting locations, to promotions and for personal trips.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/Ajay-Devgan-buys-a-personal-aircraft/articleshow/6721631.cms "Ajay Devgn buys a personal aircraft."] The Times of India.com 10 October 2010.</ref> ==Acting career== {{See also|Ajay Devgn filmography}} ===1990s=== In 1991, Devgn began his professional career in ''[[Phool Aur Kaante]]'' and received a [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut]].<ref name="Box Office (1991)">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ%3D%3D "Box Office 1991.'] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007</ref><ref>Wire S. [http://thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html "Ajay Devgan a versatility expert."] Thaindian.com Accessed 7 June 2010.</ref> He costarred with [[Madhoo]].<ref name="1992 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=198&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D "Box Office 1992."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2009.</ref> In his opening scene, Devgn performed a [[Split (gymnastics)|split]] while balancing between two motorcycles. His next film was ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), a Bollywood [[martial arts film]] co-starring [[Karisma Kapoor]]. It was released on [[Diwali]] weekend and became the seventh-highest-grossing movie of that year, taking {{INRConvert|7|c}} at the [[box office]].<ref name="1992 BO"/> In 1993, Devgn starred in ''[[Dil Hai Betaab]]'', a movie about a love triangle and romantic themes such as revenge. He next featured in ''[[Divya Shakti]]''<ref>[http://bollybusiness.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/ajay-devgan-successful-movies-list/ "Ajay Devgan : Successful Movies List."] Bollybusiness.wordpress.com.</ref> and then ''[[Sangram (1993 film)|Sangram]]'', a story of enmity between two fathers.<ref name="ReferenceC">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw%3D%3D "Box Office 1993."] Box Office India.com 1993</ref> Devgan then worked with [[Deepak Bahry]], who directed the action film ''[[Ek Hi Raasta (1993 film)|Ek Hi Raasta]]'',<ref name="1993 BO">[http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.phpitemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw== "Box Office 1993."] Box Office India.com Accessed 20 April 2008.{{dead link|date=January 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080410191229/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw%3D%3D "Box Office 1993 archive."] Archive.org 10 April 2008.</ref> and with Deepak Pawar, who directed ''[[Platform (1993 film)|Platform]]''. Other releases that year were ''[[Shaktiman (1993 film)|Shaktiman]]'', ''[[Dhanwan (1993 film)|Dhanwan]]'' and ''[[Bedardi]]''. In 1994, Devgn starred in [[Harry Baweja]]'s romantic action movie ''[[Dilwale (1994 film)|Dilwale]]''. He played the part of Arun Saxena, a man with intellectual impairment. The movie was the tenth-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=200&catName=MTk5NA%3D%3D "Box Office 1994."] Box Office India.com.</ref> His next release was ''[[Kanoon]]'' and then Kuku Kohli's ''[[Suhaag (1994 film)|Suhaag]]'' with Akshay Kumar. The movie was about two friends. Devgn played Ajay Sharma/Malhotra. ''Suhaag'' was the seventh-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1"/> His next film was ''[[Vijaypath]]''. Shooting dates for ''Vijaypath'' clashed with those of ''[[Karan Arjun]]'' which Devgn declined. ''Vijaypath'' was the eighth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1"/> In 1995, Devgn appeared in [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s movie ''[[Naajayaz]]'' and then ''[[Hulchul (1995 film)|Hulchul]]'' directed by Milan Luthria. Kajol co-starred.<ref name="boxofficeindia2">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201&catName=MTk5NQ%3D%3D "Box Office 1995."] Box Office India.com.</ref> Devgn and Kajol then appeared in ''[[Gundaraj]]'' which did not perform well at the box office.<ref name="boxofficeindia2"/> His next release was ''[[Haqeeqat (1995 film)|Haqeeqat]]''<ref name="boxofficeindia2"/> costarring with Tabu. This film was the eleventh-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia2"/> In 1996, Devgn starred in the action movie ''[[Jung (1996 film)|Jung]]'' with Mithun Chakraborty, [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] and [[Aditya Pancholi]]. His next release was an action movie called ''[[Jaan (film)|Jaan]]'',<ref name="boxofficeindia3">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=202&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D "Box Office 1996."] Box Office India.com.</ref> with Twinkle Khanna. He then starred in [[Harry Baweja]]'s film ''[[Diljale]]'', where he played a terrorist character called Shaka.<ref name="boxofficeindia3"/> In 1997, Devgn starred in a poorly received movie, ''[[Itihaas (1997 film)|Itihaas]]'', with Twinkle Khanna. His next release was [[Indra Kumar]]'s romantic comedy ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|Ishq]]'' with [[Aamir Khan]], [[Juhi Chawla]] and [[Kajol]]. In this successful film, Devgn played Ajay, a rich boy in love with a poor girl, (Kajol).<ref name="1997 BO"/> The film grossed {{INRConvert|30|c}}. The film was the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="1997 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120124132838/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Ng== "Box Office 1997."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw%3D%3D "Box Office 1997."] Box Office India.com.</ref> In 1998, Devgn 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]]'', Devgn played Vanraj, a man who tries to unite his wife with her lover. Devgn 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.<ref name="boxofficeindia4">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA== |title=Box Office 1998 |publisher=Box Office India |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA%3D%3D |archivedate=21 January 2011 }}</ref> 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 (1995 film)|French Kiss]]''. It grossed {{formatnum:302500000}} [[Indian rupee]]s.<ref name="boxofficeindia4"/> Devgn's next release was [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s ''[[Zakhm]]''. The plot examines communal tension in Mumbai during riots. Devgn played a man who is fed up with religious conflict. Devgn won several awards for his performance, including the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] and the [[Star Screen Award for Best Actor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/screen-awards-best-actor-history/ |title=Screen Awards Best Actor: History |publisher=Indicine.com |date=20 January 2012}}</ref> In 1999, Devgn 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 in 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]]. Devgn 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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/jun/17hum.htm |title=Rediff on the NeT, Movies: The review of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |publisher=Rediff.com |date=17 June 1999}}</ref> The movie was successful and Devgan was nominated for the Filmfare best actor award. After that, he appeared in ''[[Hindustan Ki Kasam]]'' with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre.<ref name="boxofficeindia5">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ== |title=Box Office 1999 |publisher=Box Office India |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ%3D%3D |archivedate=21 January 2011 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="boxofficeindia5"/> He then performed in the successful movie ''[[Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet]]'', a romantic comedy,<ref name="boxofficeindia5"/> and then in his home production movie with Kajol, and director, Prakash Jha. The film was titled ''[[Dil Kya Kare]]''. His other movies in 1999 were ''[[Gair (film)|Gair]]'' and ''[[Thakshak]]'' in which he played a strong, silent man. ===2000s=== [[File:Ajay Devgan promote at All The Best promotions (3).jpg|thumb|upright|Devgan during the promotions of ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins]]'' (2009)]] In 2000, Devgn performed in [[Harry Baweja]]'s ''[[Deewane]]''. The film did not do well at the box office.<ref name="2000 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D "Box Office 2000."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> In the same year, Devgn starred in his first home production; ''[[Raju Chacha]]'', with Kajol. The film was moderately successful.<ref name="2000 BO"/> In 2001, Devgn starred in another moderately successful film; ''[[Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke]]'' with [[Madhuri Dixit]] and [[Preity Zinta]].<ref name="BO 2001">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120117042738/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMA== "Box Office 2001."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> His next release was ''[[Lajja (2001 film)|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.<ref name="BO 2001"/> [[Mahesh Manjrekar]]'s ''[[Tera Mera Saath Rahen]]'' followed. In 2002, Devgn performed in [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s fictional examination of the [[Mumbai underworld]] in the film ''[[Company (film)|Company]]''. Devgn played a gangster named Malik. Both ''Company'' and Devgn's performance received critical acclaim. As [[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."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/55963 "Company (2002)."] Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> Devgan was nominated for the [[Filmfare Best Actor Award]] and won the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="2002 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120117054557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=208&catName=MjAwMA== "Box Office 2002."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> Devgn's next release was [[David Dhawan]]'s comedy ''[[Hum Kisise Kum Nahin]]'', with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Sanjay Dutt]] and [[Aishwarya Rai]].<ref name="2002 BO"/> The same year, he played the role of [[Bhagat Singh]], in [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s biopic ''[[The Legend of Bhagat Singh]]''.<ref name="smashits">Jindani A. [http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/1495/ajay-to-play-coveted-shaheed-bhagat-singh-role.html "Ajay to play coveted shaheed bhagat singh role."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716093536/http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/1495/ajay-to-play-coveted-shaheed-bhagat-singh-role.html |date=16 July 2011 }} Smashits.com.</ref> 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."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201789 "The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)."] Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> The film was released on 7 June 2002 and went on to win two [[National Film Awards (India)|National Film Awards]], including the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi]], and three [[Filmfare Awards]], including the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie]]. Despite these awards, and Devgn winning his second [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] for his performance, the film was not popular with the public.<ref name="2002 BO"/> Devgn went on to perform in [[Anees Bazmee]]'s ''[[Deewangee]]''. The film was partially inspired by [[William Diehl]]'s novel, ''[[Primal Fear (novel)|Primal Fear]]''. The film earned Devgn 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.<ref name="2002 BO"/> In 2003, Devgn starred in Ram Gopal Verma's horror film ''[[Bhoot (film)|Bhoot]]'', opposite [[Urmila Matondkar]]. The film was appreciated critically and performed well at the box office.<ref name="2003 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=209&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D "Box Office 2003."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> He then starred in the action thriller ''[[Qayamat: City Under Threat]]'' with the actress debutante, [[Neha Dhupia]]. The film was a commercial success.<ref name="2003 BO"/> Devgn 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.<ref name="2003 BO"/> Devgn's next release of the year was [[Prakash Jha]]'s ''[[Gangaajal]]''. The film was set in the time of the [[1980 Bhagalpur blindings|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."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/aug/29gangaa.htm "Another ace for Ajay!"] Rediff.com Accessed 29 August 2003.</ref> Devgn was nominated for the [[Filmfare Best Actor Award]] for this performance. He then worked in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s directional debut ''[[Zameen (2003 film)|Zameen]]''<ref>Verma S. [http://rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/25rohit.htm "Directed by Rohit Shetty!"] Rediff.com 25 September 2003.</ref> and [[J. P. Dutta]]'s war film ''[[LOC Kargil]]''. In 2004, Devgn 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.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA%3D%3D "Box Office 2004."] Box Office India.com.</ref> In ''Khakee'', Devgn 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."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/54532 "Khakee (2004)."] Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> Later in 2004, Devgn appeared in [[Indra Kumar]]'s ''[[Masti: Sanam Teri Kasam]]''. He also starred in ''[[Yuva]]''.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382383/ "Yuva (2004)"]. IMDb 22 May 2004.</ref><ref>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-18/india/27887602_1_iitians-bharat-punarnirman-dal-politics "Bollywood-inspired IITians eyeing polls.'] The Times of India.com 18 January 2007 Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/yuva/ "Yuva."] Rotten Tomatoes.com. Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref> Devgn next collaborated with [[Rituparno Ghosh]] in the relationship drama ''[[Raincoat (film)|Raincoat]]'', with Aishwaraya Rai. The film is an adaptation of [[O. Henry]]'s ''[[The Gift of the Magi]]''. ''Raincoat'' met with wide critical acclaim and won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi]].<ref name="Rediff 2004">[http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm "Rain coat is simply beautiful."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050743/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm |date=6 April 2009 }} Rediff.com Accessed 9 March 2009.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050743/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm "Rain coat is simply beautiful."] Archive.org 6 April 2009.</ref> Devgn 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."<ref name="Rediff 2004"/> In 2004, Devgn was also seen in a cameo appearance in ''[[Taarzan: The Wonder Car]]''. 2005 was a less successful year for Devgn. His movies were not financially successful. They included ''[[Insan]]'', ''[[Blackmail (2005 film)|Blackmail]]'', ''[[Main Aisa Hi Hoon]]'', ''[[Tango Charlie]]'' and ''[[Shikhar (film)|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]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085904/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ%3D%3D "Box Office 2005."] Archive.org 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref> [[File:Ajay Devgn and Kangna Ranaut.jpg|thumb|upright|Devgan with [[Kangana Ranaut]] at success party of ''[[Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai]]'' in 2010]] In 2006 Devgn played [[Othello]] in ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|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]].<ref name="Omkara">Gajjar M. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/05/omkara_preview.shtml "Omkara."] BBC.co.uk May 2006. Accessed 19 May 2009</ref><ref>Roy, A. [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061206/asp/nation/story_7101465.asp "Omkara puzzle here, prize there."] The Telegraph, Calcutta. 6 December 2006. Accessed 8 July 2010.</ref> ''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."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/02rs.htm "Why Omkara blew my mind."] Rediff.com 2 August 2006.</ref> 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."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201587 "Omkara"] Bollywood Hungama.</ref> In 2006, Devgn also starred in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s ''[[Golmaal (2006 film)|Golmaal]]''. It had two sequels ''[[Golmaal Returns]]'' and ''[[Golmaal 3]]''. In the same year, Devgn was featured in a short documentary about the [[Mumbai floods of 2005]] titled ''The Awakening''.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848620/ "The Awakening (2006)"]. ''IMDb''. 28 July 2006.</ref> In 2007 Devgn starred in two movies, director [[Anubhav Sinha]]'s action thriller ''[[Cash (2007 film)|Cash]]'' and ''[[Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag]]''. In 2008, Devgn performed in the [[social film]] ''[[Halla Bol]]'', directed by [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]. Also in the cast were [[Pankaj Kapoor]] and [[Vidya Balan]].<ref name="boxofficeindia.com">[http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA== "Box Office 2008."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102010804/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D |date=2 January 2010 }} Box Office India 2008.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085953/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D "Box Office 2008."] Box Office India.com Archived 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref> 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''.<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Halla-Bol-based-on-Safdar-Hashmi-Rajkumar-Santoshi/Article1-236270.aspx "Halla Bol based on Safdar Hashmi: Rajkumar Santoshi."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061603/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Halla-Bol-based-on-Safdar-Hashmi-Rajkumar-Santoshi/Article1-236270.aspx |date=21 September 2013 }} Hindustan Times 12 July 2007 Accessed 20 November 2012.</ref> The film received harsh reviews.<ref>Mohamed K. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-Halla-Bol/Article1-268739.aspx "Halla Bol."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908124627/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-Halla-Bol/Article1-268739.aspx |date=8 September 2013 }} Hindustan Times 11 January 2008 Accessed 9 January 2012.</ref> In 2008, Devgn also performed in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s third film ''[[Sunday (2008 film)|Sunday]]''. He then took the lead role with Kajol in his own directorial debut film ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]''.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_u-me-aur-hum--straight-from-ajay-s-heart_1158229 "U, Me Aur Hum, straight from Ajay's heart."] DNA India.com 1 April 2008 Accessed 1 June 2012.</ref> The film performed moderately well at the box office and earned positive critical reviews for his performance as well as for his direction. Rediff said: "His character grows, discovers both shirt-buttons and subtlety, delivering an intense acting job. Speaking almost entirely in platitudes – pithy at first, profound as he goes on – this grows into an extraordinarily well-written character, replete with flaws and relatability. The way he treats his remorse, drunkenly pointing every finger at himself around a dinner table, is superbly handled, as is his guilty struggle to delineate his life experience from his professional opinion."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/11hum.htm "Ajay Devgan does well in U Me Aur Hum."] Rediff.com 11 April 2008.</ref> Devgn also made a cameo appearance in his brother [[Anil Devgan]]'s film ''[[Haal–e–dil]]''. He then starred in [[Afzal Khan (actor)|Afzal Khan]]'s ''[[Mehbooba (2008 film)|Mehbooba]]''. Again in 2008, Devgn performed in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s comedy ''[[Golmaal Returns]]'', a sequel to the 2006 film ''[[Golmaal: Fun Unlimited]]'' about a mistrustful wife who believed her husband was unfaithful. ''[[The Indian Express]]'' said the screenplay was derivative, concluding: "There is nothing particularly new about a suspicious wife keeping tabs on her husband, and there is nothing particularly new in the way Ajay-Kareena play it."<ref>Gupta S. [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/golmaal-returns/379847/ "Golmaal Returns"] India Express.com 31 October 2008. Accessed 13 November 2008.</ref> ''Golmaal Returns'' was a financial success with global revenues of {{INRConvert|79.25|c}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D] "Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide." Box Office India.com web archive 2011</ref> In 2009, Devgn produced his third film, ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins|All the Best]]'', directed by [[Rohit Shetty]]. It had some financial success.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-06-30 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060616/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ |archivedate=21 September 2013 |df=dmy-all }} Box Office India.com</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085958/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D "Box Office 2009."] Archive.org Archived 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref> Next, Devgn starred in [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah|Vipul Shah]]'s ''[[London Dreams]]'', with [[Salman Khan]] and the [[Tamil film]] star [[Asin]]. The film was not popular with the public.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> ===2010s=== In this decade, Devgn performed roles in ''[[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 film)|Drishyam (2015)]].<ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm "Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 17 August 2006.</ref><ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/08sld1.htm "The Powerlist: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 8 August 2006.</ref><ref>[https://archive.is/20121209074403/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 "Box Office 2000s Decade in Review – Top Actors, Actresses and Directors: Final Tallies and Standings."] Ibosnetwork.com 19 January 2010.</ref> In 2010, Devgn featured in the financially successful comedy ''[[Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?]]'' with [[Paresh Rawal]] and [[Konkona Sen Sharma]]. He then featured in [[Prakash Jha]]'s political thriller ''[[Rajneeti]]''. ''Raajneeti'' was released internationally on 4 June 2010, after some controversies regarding similarities between actual people and the characters in the film. There were also issues about the use of the national anthem in the film. The film was made with a budget of {{INRConvert|60|c}}<ref>Kotwani| H. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Can-Raajneeti-recover-its-Rs-60-crore-investment/Article1-552893.aspx "Can ''Raajneeti'' recover its Rs 60 crore investment?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608042755/http://www.hindustantimes.com/can-raajneeti-recover-its-rs-60-crore-investment/article1-552893.aspx |date=8 June 2010 }} Hindustan Times 4 June 2010. Accessed 21 June 2010.</ref> When the film was released, it had positive reviews and was financially successful.<ref name="BO-10">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=318&catName=MjAxMA%3D%3D "Box Office 2010."] Box Office India at Web Archive.com . Accessed 25 August 2011.</ref> Again, in 2010, Devgn starred in [[Milan Luthria]]'s ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbai]]'', which was among the top-grossing films of that year.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131014094622/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=317&catName=MjAxMC0yMDE5 "Lifetime Grossers 2010–2019."] Box Office India at Web Archive.org. 2013.</ref> Both the film and Devgn's performance were well received by the critics. [[Taran Adarsh]] said: "Ajay Devgn is splendid as Sultan. The actor had enacted a similar role in ''Company'', but it must be said that his interpretation is so different in ''Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai''. He adds so much depth to the character, which only goes to prove his range and versatility. This is, without a trace of doubt, Ajay's finest work so far."<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/once-upon-a-time-in-mumbaai-review-an-outstanding-cinematic-experience-review-bollywood-14951073.html "Movie Review: Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai review: An outstanding cinematic experience!"] Sify.com.</ref> [[Komal Nahta]] said: "Ajay Devgn is simply fantastic in the role of Sultan Mirza. So real is his performance that it looks like he was born to play this role. Right from his look to his acting including dialogue-delivery, everything is fabulous. Indeed, an award-winning performance!"<ref>Nahta K. [http://www.koimoi.com/reviews/komal-nahtas-review-once-upon-a-time-in-mumbaai/ "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai."] Koimoi.com 30 July 2010.</ref> Devgn then starred in [[Priyadarshan]]'s action-thriller film ''[[Aakrosh (2010 film)|Aakrosh]]''. The movie explores the subject of [[honour killings]]. ''[[Aakrosh (2010 film)|Aakrosh]]'' received some positive reviews, but was financially unsuccessful. At the end of 2010, Devgn worked again with Rohit Shetty in [[Golmaal 3]], a sequel to ''Golmaal Returns'' (2008). Although, like its predecessor, the film received mixed reviews, it was the most successful of the ''Golmaal'' series, earning more than {{INRConvert|107|c}}.<ref>Bhattacharya R. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Golmaal-3-This-year-s-Diwali-cracker/Article1-624338.aspx "Golmaal 3: This year's Diwali cracker."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809051728/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Golmaal-3-This-year-s-Diwali-cracker/Article1-624338.aspx |date=9 August 2013 }} Hindustan Times.com 12 November 2010. Accessed 28 November 2010.</ref> Devgn also worked as a voice artist in ''[[Toonpur Ka Super Hero]]'', an animated film. In 2011, Devgn performed with [[Emraan Hashmi]] in [[Madhur Bhandarkar]]'s comedy ''[[Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji]]''. He was a narrator in ''[[Yamla Pagla Deewana]]'' and also made a cameo appearance in ''[[Ready (2011 film)|Ready]]''. Devgn starred in Rohit Shetty's ''[[Singham]]''. Taran Adarsh said: "The title means 'Lion' and Ajay is in the centre of the battle between good and evil. Ajay is well known for the lines, "aataa maajhi satakli". The embodiment of screen masculinity, Ajay enacts the central character of a righteous, hardhearted cop with flourish. He brings alive on screen a larger-than-life hero character with determined conviction, which renders you thunderstruck. One of the few actors who underplays his part admirably, he returns to the over-the-top-action genre of films with this one. In a nutshell, his performance plays a pivotal role in carrying the film to the winning post."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/542574 "Singham."] Bollywood Hungama.</ref> He then starred [[David Dhawan]]'s [[action comedy film]] ''[[Rascals (film)|Rascals]]''.<ref>[http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2010/10/28/14856/index.html "Sanjay Dutt starts Rascals tomorrow."] Bollywood Hungama.com 28 October 2010.</ref> In 2012, Devgn starred in ''[[Tezz]]'', directed by [[Priyadarshan]]. His co-stars were [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Boman Irani]], [[Kangana Ranaut]], [[Sameera Reddy]] and [[Zayed Khan]]. Devgan then starred in Rohit Shetty's film ''[[Bol Bachchan]]''. He then starred in ''[[Son Of Sardaar]]''. In 2013, Devgn featured in the critically and commercially unsuccessful remake of ''[[Himmatwala (2013 film)|Himmatwala]]''.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.com/bollywood/news/a451255/ajay-devgan-promised-himmatwala-will-be-a-100-crore-hit-by-director.html "Ajay Devgan promised 'Himmatwala' will be a 100 crore hit."] Digital Spy.com 15 January 2013.</ref> Devgn next featured in [[Prakash Jha]]'s political drama ''[[Satyagraha – Democracy Under Fire|Satyagraha]]''.<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/90940.html "Ajay Devgn starts shooting for Prakash Jha's 'Satyagraha'."] Indiaglitz.com 13 February 2013.</ref> [[File:Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'Cruz.jpg|thumb|left|Devgn and [[Ileana D'Cruz]] during trailer launch of their film ''[[Baadshaho]]'' (2017)]] In 2014, Devgn featured in Rohit Shetty's ''[[Singham Returns]]'', a sequel to ''[[Singham]]''.''Singham Returns'' received mixed reviews from Indian critics.<ref name="Reviews">{{cite web|title='Singham Returns' Movie Reviews: Typical Rohit Shetty's Film|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/singham-returns-movie-reviews-typical-rohit-shettys-film-606899|publisher=''[[International Business Times]]''|work=15 August 2014}}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] of ''Bollywood Hungama'' gave it 4 stars and said: "The film is a complete mass entertainer with power-packed drama, hi-intensity dialogue and towering performances as its aces. The brand value attached to it coupled with a long weekend will help the film reap a harvest and rule the box office in days to come.".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/673370 | title=Singham Returns | publisher=Bollywood Hungamam | date=15 August 2014 | accessdate=15 August 2014 | author=Adarsh, Taran}}{{Rating|4|5}}</ref> Collection of over {{INRConvert|32.09|c}} on the first day of its release in India. Domestic net of ''Singham Returns'' are {{INRConvert|140.62|c}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/673370|title=Singham Returns|author=Bollywood Hungama|publisher=}}</ref> Devgn next featured in [[Prabhu Deva]]'s ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' which did not perform well at box office.<ref>[http://www.ibnlive.com/news/action-jackson-review-the-film-is-an-orgy-of-bloody-fight-scenes/516632-47-84.html 'Action Jackson' review: The film is an orgy of bloody fight scenes].IBN live. [[Rajeev Masand]]. 5 December 2014. {{Rating|1|5}}</ref> In 2015, Devgn starred in [[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam]], directed by Nishikant Kamat. The film received positive reviews, Meena Iyer of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the film four out of five stars, describing it as "A suspense drama with a nail-biting finish." She praised Devgan's performances: "Ajay, who is the prey here, shines in his role of the protective father.".<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Meena Iyer]] |url=http://www.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Drishyam/movie-review/48279405.cms|title=Drishyam Movie Review}}</ref> The film was successful at the box office, by the end of its sixth week, the film had grossed about {{INRConvert|76.48|c}} at the domestic box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/drishyam-6th-week-box-office-collections/|title=Drishyam : 6th Week Box Office Collections|date=11 September 2015|publisher=}}</ref> In 2016, Devgn was seen in his own production, ''[[Shivaay (film)|Shivaay]]'', which released around Diwali 2016. ''Shivaay'' is an action drama movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/check-out-the-breathtaking-shivaay-first-look/|title= Check out the breathtaking Shivay|work=www.koimoi.com}}</ref> Shivaay opened to mixed reviews and grossed more than {{INRConvert|146|c}}<ref name="BO">{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-shivaay/|title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Shivaay|work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Devgn featured in director [[Milan Luthria]]'s ''[[Baadshaho]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/find-out-some-details-about-ajay-devgns-baadshaho/|title=Find Out Some Details About Ajay Devgn's Baadshaho|date=3 September 2015|publisher=}}</ref> and [[Rohit Shetty]]'s [[Golmaal Again]].<ref>http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/golmaal-again-gets-third-highest-opening-weekend-box-office-collection-for-2017-baahubali-2-raees-still-lead-4169809.html</ref> Both films were commercial successes.In the dry spell of [[Bollywood]] where big names like [[Shahrukh Khan]] and [[Salman Khan]] were unable to give a single hit Devgn gave two back to back hits in 2 months. While [[Baadshaho]] was a hit, [[Golmaal Again]] became the [[List of Bollywood films of 2017|highest-grossing film of 2017]] collecting 100 crores in 4 days of its release and a lifetime collection of 205 crores at the Indian box office while making a hefty 300 crores at worldwide box office<ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/golmaal-again-box-office-collection-day-4-ajay-devgn-and-team-has-100-crore-reasons-to-smile-1766493]</ref> In 2018, Devgn starred in [[Raj Kumar Gupta]]'s ''[[Raid (2018 film)|Raid]]'' where he plays the role of an honest [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer, which released to positive critical feedback on 16 March.<ref name="roundup">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/raid-movie-review-roundup-ajay-devgn-starrer-realistic-says-critics-celebs-763970 |title=Raid movie review roundup: Ajay Devgn starrer is realistic, say critics, celebs|work=[[International Business Times]]|accessdate=16 March 2018|date=16 March 2018}}</ref> Devgn has long been working on producing 'Sons of Sardaar: The Battle of Saragari,' a sequel to [[Son of Sardaar]].<ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ajay-devgn-shares-sons-of-sardaar-the-battle-of-saragarhi-first-look-diwali-2017-release-planned-2922284.html]</ref> In August 2017, Devgn stated: "We are working on the script but it won’t happen for another two years because of the scale of the project."<ref>[https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ajay-devgn-saragarhi-is-set-to-happen-but-in-the-next-three-or-four-years/articleshow/60301262.cms]</ref> He has also committed to star with [[Rakul Preet Singh]] and [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]] in his next Bollywood film romcom produced by [[Luv Ranjan]].<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/rakul-preet-star-alongside-ajay-devgn-tabu-rom-com/ |title = Rakul Preet to star alongside Ajay Devgn and Tabu in this rom-com|date = 16 Jan 2018|work = Bollywood Hungama|access-date = 16 Jan 2018|via = }}</ref> ==Other work== ===Producer=== Devgn's production company [[Ajay Devgn Films]], was established in 2000. The company's first film was ''[[Raju Chacha]]'', (2000) starring Devgan and Kajol. In 2008, Devgn made his directorial debut and co-produced ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]''. Devgn was part of the drama film's team of four writers. The film tells the story of a woman (Kajol) who has a very weak memory and even forgets her own husband. [[Taran Adarsh]], a film critic, described it as "a well-made, absorbing love story that's high on the emotional quotient."<ref name="IndiaFM Review">[http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/13577/index.html "Movie Review: U, Me aur Hum."] India fm.com Accessed 12 April 2008.</ref> In 2009, Devgn released his home production ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins]]'', which was directed by [[Rohit Shetty]] and starred Devgn, [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Fardeen Khan]], [[Bipasha Basu]] and [[Mugdha Godse]]. The film was released on 16 October 2009, and was the [[Bollywood films of 2009|ninth-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2009]].<ref>[http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ== "Box Office 2009."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014131907/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D |date=14 October 2013 }} Box Office India.com Accessed 13 October 2010.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100925090950/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D Box Office 2009."] Web Archive.org. Archived 25 September 2010.</ref> [[File:Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan Cast of 'Bol Bachchan' meet fans at Fame Inorbit Mall 10.jpg|thumb|[[Abhishek Bachchan]] and Devgan during the promotions of Devgan's produced film ''[[Bol Bachchan]]'' (2012).]] In 2012, Devgn starred in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s [[Romance film|romantic]] [[action comedy film]] ''[[Bol Bachchan]]'', which was a joint production with [[Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd]]. It also featured [[Abhishek Bachchan]], [[Asin]] and [[Prachi Desai]]. The film, made with a budget of {{INRConvert|70|c}},<ref name="budget">[http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bol-bachchan-crosses-rs-50-crore-mark/270497-8-66.html "'Bol Bachchan' crosses Rs 50 crore mark."] Ibnlive.in 10 July 2012.</ref> is an official remake of ''[[Gol Maal]]'' (1979). The film was released on 6 July 2012 in about 2,575 cinemas around the world and had 2,700 prints. It received mixed reviews but had a good opening at the box office.<ref>Bose S. [http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/bol-bachchan-12-cr-on-opening-day/ "Bol Bachchan: 12-Cr On Opening Day."] Box Office India.com 7 July 2012.</ref> The film had record advance bookings.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Bol-Bachchan-gets-record-advance-bookings/articleshow/14688264.cms "'Bol Bachchan' gets record advance bookings."] The Times of India.com 6 July 2012 Accessed 10 July 2012.</ref> ''Bol Bachchan'' was one of the [[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films|highest-grossing Bollywood films]]. It took {{INRConvert|158|c}}.<ref name="100c">[ http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=4967&nCat= "Fastest to the Century: Barfi! In 17 Days."] Box Office India.com 9 October 2012 Accessed 9 October 2012.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110120235454/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=earnings "Box Office Earnings 06/06/12 – 12/07/12."] Box Office India.com</ref><ref name=Gross>[http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5301&nCat= "Top Ten Worldwide Grossers 2012."] Box Office India.com 2012 Accessed 17 January 2013.</ref> Devgn also starred in [[Ashwni Dhir]]'s [[Romance film|romantic]] [[action comedy film]] ''[[Son of Sardaar]]'', which was a joint production with [[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]]. The film was released on 13 November 2012. Despite competition with [[Yash Raj Films|Yash Raj]]'s film ''[[Jab Tak Hai Jaan]]'', ''Son of Sardaar'' was a financial success.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_ajay-devgn-takes-on-shah-rukh-khan_1641136 "Ajay Devgn takes on Shah Rukh Khan!"] DNA India.com 23 January 2012. Accessed 24 January 2012.</ref><ref>[http://boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5136&nCat= "Jab Tak Hai Jaan super hit, 'Son of Sardaar'."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128040220/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5136&nCat= |date=28 November 2012 }} Box Office India.com Accessed 24 November 2012.</ref><ref name="overseasSOS">[http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5147&nCat= "Jab Tak Hai Jaan blockbuster, 'Son of Sardaar' average."] Box Office India.com Accessed 28 November 2012.</ref> It made {{INRConvert|150|c}}.<ref name="Gross"/> In 2018, Ajay Devgn released his first [[Marathi language|Marathi]] production [[Aapla Manus]]. The movie was in Marathi language. It was directed by [[Satish Rajwade]] and starred [[Nana Patekar]], [[Iravati Harshe]], and [[Sumeet Raghavan]]. The film was produced by Ajay Devgn, [[Nana Patekar]], Abhinav Shuklaa, Manish Mishra, & Rohit Choudhary and released on 9 February 2018. The story was a dramatic thriller and written by Vivek Bele. The film was distributed by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mumbailive.com/en/marathi-film/aapla-manus-movie-review-marathi-actor-nana-patekar-sumeet-raghavan-iravati-harshe-suspense-story-20371|date=9 February 2018|title=Aapla Manus Is A Family Drama With A Pinch Of Thriller}}</ref>. ==Awards and honours== {{Main article|List of awards and nominations received by Ajay Devgn}} ==See also== * [[List of Indian film actors]] ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} == External links == <!-- Per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only --> * {{Facebook|AjayDevgn}} {{Commons category|Ajay Devgan}} * {{IMDb name|id=0222426}} {{Ajay Devgan}} {{Navboxes | title = Awards for Ajay Devgn | list = {{NationalFilmAwardBestActor}} {{FilmfareCriticsAwardBestPerformance}} {{FilmfareAwardBestMaleDebut}} {{FilmfareAwardBestVillain}} {{ScreenAwardBestActor}} {{StardustAwardBestActor}} {{StardustAwardMaleStar}} }} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Devgn, Ajay}} [[Category:Ajay Devgn]] [[Category:Indian male film actors]] [[Category:1969 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Best Actor National Film Award winners]] [[Category:Male actors from Delhi]] [[Category:Film producers from Mumbai]] [[Category:Film directors from Mumbai]] [[Category:Hindi-language film directors]] [[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]] [[Category:Punjabi people]] [[Category:Mithibai College alumni]] [[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]] [[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]] [[Category:Male actors from Mumbai]] [[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]] [[Category:Male actors from New Delhi]] [[Category:Hindi film producers]]'