The bigger picture

As an actor, although he has earned much appreciation for his roles in such movies as Zakhm and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam respectively, the actor is aware of the fact that he is slowly being labelled an intense actor. That intensity may have earned him a National Award for his performance in Zakhm, but Devgan does not wish to be slotted. "I’ve done my share of emotional films. I even did some comedy in Ishq. I don’t want to be offered just serious parts," he says.

Admitting that the money has got better over the years, he insists that money is not the main motivating factor in his life. "I am excited by an opportunity to do something that might be relatively new. I look forward to roles that are likely to shock people. I just want to do something that’s a little beyond the ordinary," he explains. Which is why, he says, he was attracted to such parts as those in Hindustan Ki Kasam and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. "Nobody is used to seeing a husband escort his wife to her lover. I thought it was an interesting subject if handled well."

Devgan does not make any effort to conceal his contempt for the way this industry functions. "I refuse to butter up big filmmakers so they consider me for their films," he says. "I find it sick when I see my colleagues do the same thing," he adds, but refuses to take any names. "Senior directors deserve respect, but that doesn’t mean you have to attend their every party, hug them tightly and pose for pictures," he elaborates. "Luckily for me, I have a company that hires the directors we respect and offer them good projects. That is what the business of entertainment should be like," he believes.

The actor is also aware that in all probability, several of his contemporaries feel the same way. "I’m sure that no self-respecting person likes to behave like the hanger-on of a popular director. But I guess being part of a big film means more to them than their self respect," Devgan says. He is also aware that the situation is not likely to change very much, despite the fact that most production companies and even independent producers are going public. "Change will come only if people personally adopt a different mindset. It’s not going to happen suddenly because companies are going public," he feels. "I would like to be part of an industry where everyone does their own thing, roles are offered on merit, and where the competition is healthy," he says.

Despite the initial warning, you are tempted to ask him a handful of personal questions. Surprisingly, despite his own initial hesitation, eventually he does discuss some andar ki baat. First, Devgan denies all rumours to the effect that his wife (Kajol) and he are expecting a baby. "I don’t know where these stories originate," he says. Next, he makes it a point to mention that he is no way connected to Kajol’s career and her choice of movies. "She’s mature and independent, and needs no advice from me," he says. Also, he says, when on the sets working together, "we don’t behave like a couple — that would be setting a bad example."

Bas. That’s it. He insists he has little else to say.