Ajay Devgn: ‘Shivaay’ highlights imperfections

Actor Ajay Devgn says his upcoming directorial venture Shivaay revolves around the imperfections of Shiva, a Hindu deity, and how they make him strong.

Devgn, 46, will play the titular character in the movie.

“As a devotee, I like the characteristics of Shiva. My film is not a mythology. It’s a modern film. Shiva is the only god who had flaws like a human being. All the other gods are perfect.

“Shiva loved bhang [an intoxicating drink]. He would get very angry and we call him bhola [innocent] because anybody could fool him... but all these elements make him so strong and loved,” Devgn said.

The actor, who has been preparing for the film for a long time, said it is a challenging project for him.

“We [have been] working on it for the past one year. We will start the film in December and will release it next Diwali,” he said.

The film will see a face-off with Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Anushka Sharma. But the actor is unperturbed by the box-office clash.

“It doesn’t matter to me at all. Everybody has the right to release their film whenever they want. I have to concentrate on my film. I think everybody should concentrate on their own work,” said Devgn, whose Son of Sardar too had a box-office clash with Shah Rukh Khan film Jab Tak Hai Jaan in 2012.

Shivaay also marks the National Award-winning actor’s return to the director’s chair after 2008 film U Me Aur Hum.

Asked how comfortable he is calling the shots and at the same time acting in a movie, Devgn said, “I feel I am comfortable with that. If you are clear in your head then you know what to do. It’s just a little more hard work.”

Shivaay will launch newcomer Sayesha Saigal, who is the grand niece of Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu.

“Sayesha is a superb actress. She doesn’t look like a newcomer. [The] rest of my cast in the film is from abroad.”