Happy Birthday Ajay Devgn: Did You Know Why Actor Changed His Name Before His Debut in Hindi Cinema?

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has been a prominent part of the Indian film industry since more than three decades now. In his career, the actor has delivered some impactful performances and has experimented in almost every genre. From comedy, action, drama to romance, Ajay has excelled in the method acting. He is among one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood. He has been awarded with the prestigious National Film Award, not once but twice. The Padma Shri recipient started off his career as an action hero but diversified his roles donning different hats that of a director and a producer.

On his 55th birthday, let’s take a look at 10 facts about the actor, how his top movies and upcoming projects.

10 Facts About Ajay Devgn’s Early Life

1. Born in 1969, Ajay is the son of late action director Veeru Devgan.

2. Ajay’s real name is Vishal; he changed it before the release of his first film. He had to change his name due to several actors named Vishal being launched at the same time.

3. Ajay made his acting debut with the film Phool aur Kaante in the year 1991. Helmed by Kuku Kohli the film also starrer actress Madhoo in the lead role.

4. Ajay bagged the Filmfare Best Male Debut award for Phool aur Kaante.

5. After that there was no turning back for Ajay, he appeared in several big films like Jigar, Dilwale, Suhaag, Vijaypath among others.

6. In 1999, Ajay tied the knot with actress Kajol in a traditional Maharashtrian Hindu ceremony.

7. Ajay and Kajol were blessed with a baby girl, Nysa Devgn in 2003 and their son, Yug was born in 2010.

8. In 2009, Ajay changed his surname from Devgan to Devgn on the request of his family members.

9. He is a very big devotee of Lord Shiva.

10. In 2008, Ajay made his directorial debut with the film U, Me aur Hum and later on directed films like Shivaay (2016), Runway 34 (2022) and Bholaa (2023).

Ajay Devgn’s Top Movies

1. SinghamRohit Shetty directorial cop action drama film received massive response from the audiences and was later on made into a franchise. The film marked the beginning of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe.
2. GangaajalAjay played the role of an IPS officer in this political drama film which was helmed by Prakash Jha. The film went on to be a big success and over the years the film has become a cult classic.
3. Tanhaji: The Unsung WarriorDirected by Om Raut, Ajay portrayed the role of the brave Maratha warrior Tanhaji Malusare. The film was the hightest grossing film of 2020 and Ajay bagged a National Film Award for his performance. The film also starred Saif Ali Khan and Kajol in the pivotal roles.
4. The Legend of Bhagat SinghIn the patriotic film, Ajay portrayed the role of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. The film was a great success and won many awards. The actor also won his first National Film Award for his acting. Helmed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film was released in the year 2002.
5. GolmaalNot only for serious and action roles, Ajay has also won fans’ hearts with his quirky characters. Golmaal, in a way launched a new Ajay Devgn. Directed by Rohit Shetty the film was a big commercial success and was later made into a franchise.
6. Drishyam 2Talking of Ajay Devgn films, who can forget his role as Vijay Salgaonkar in the film Drishyam. The mystery thriller received positive reviews from the fans and its sequel Drishyam 2 was one of the highest grossing films of 2022.

Ajay Devgn’s Upcoming Films

1. MaidaanAjay is currently busy promoting his upcoming period sports drama film Maidaan which is slated to hit the theatres on April 10. In the film he plays the role of a Football coach Syed Abdul Rahim. The film is produced by Boney Kapoor.
2. Auron Mein Kahan Dum ThaDirected by Neeraj Pandey, the film also stars Tabu and Jimmy Shergill in the lead roles. Earlier the makers of the film announced April 26, 2024 as its release date. However, new updates regarding the film is still awaited.
3. Singham AgainThe third film in the Singham franchise is on the most awaited films of this year. Helmed by Rohit Shetty, the film also stars Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff and Arjun Kapoor.
4. Raid 2Ajay announced the sequel to his hit thriller film Raid, in which he played the role of an Income Tax Officer. The film also stars Vaani Kapoor in the lead role and is all set to hit the theatres on November 15, 2024.
5. De De Pyaar De 2Reportedly, Ajay and actor Rakul Preet Singh are all set to begin shooting for the sequel to their hit film De De Pyaar De from mid May. The film will hit the theatres on May 1 next year.