Bollywood loves its heroes, and few fit the bill quite like Ajay Devgn. Known for his deadpan charm, his piercing gaze, and action sequences that defy gravity, Ajay has cemented his place as one of Bollywood’s most dependable stars. But there’s more to this leading man than meets the eye. Over the years, Ajay has traded some of his action-packed scripts for business ventures, revealing a side of himself that’s every bit as shrewd as it is strategic.
Ajay Devgn Early life: A Star in the making
Ajay Devgn was born Vishal Veeru Devgan on April 2, 1969, in New Delhi. Cinema was always in his blood. His father, Veeru Devgan, was a celebrated stunt director in Bollywood, and his mother, Veena Devgan, was a producer. So, it’s safe to say that Ajay was reared on a steady diet of camera setups and choreography. Yet, he wasn’t always the poised star he appears to be now; in fact, Ajay was known for being quite the introvert. Imagine a young boy hanging back, observing the chaos of film sets, storing everything up for the day he would become the one in front of the camera.
He went on to study at Mithibai College in Mumbai, balancing his studies with a growing interest in the film world. With industry legends dropping by the family home, Ajay found himself more and more drawn to the allure of cinema. His family wanted him to choose a practical career, but Ajay’s passion for films was stronger.
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From humble beginnings to superstar status
Ajay’s entry into Bollywood wasn’t flashy. His debut film, Phool Aur Kaante (1991), was a modest release but became a surprise hit. In what would become one of Bollywood’s most iconic scenes, Ajay stood atop two motorcycles, performing a jaw-dropping stunt that set the stage for his action-hero image. His quiet, intense style contrasted sharply with the flamboyance of his contemporaries, yet it was undeniably captivating.
The 90s saw him experimenting with genres, from action flicks like Jigar and Vijaypath to intense dramas such as Zakhm, which earned him his first National Award for Best Actor. As the years passed, Ajay’s film choices only grew bolder. In Company, he played a gangster with an unnerving calm. In The Legend of Bhagat Singh, he brought a freedom fighter’s story to life with raw patriotism. These performances cemented him as an actor with a unique ability to blend intensity with restraint.
In the 2000s, Ajay diversified his roles further. He embraced comedy with the Golmaal franchise, proving he could bring laughs just as easily as thrills. Even today, fans know they’re in for a treat when Ajay Devgn teams up with director Rohit Shetty, especially if a few cars happen to explode in the background.
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The box office king:
| Movie Name | India Box Office Collection |
| Shaitaan | ₹138 Crore |
| Drishyam 2 | ₹239 Crore |
| Gangubai Kathiawadi | ₹129 Crore |
| Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior | ₹279 Crore |
| De De Pyaar De | ₹103 Crore |
| Total Dhamaal | ₹154 Crore |
| Raid | ₹103 Crore |
| Golmaal Again | ₹205 Crore |
| Shivaay | ₹100 Crore |
| Singham Returns | ₹140 Crore |
| Son Of Sardaar | ₹105 Crore |
| Bol Bachchan | ₹102 Crore |
| Singham | ₹100 Crore |
| Golmaal 3 | ₹106 Crore |
Beyond Bollywood: Ajay, the entrepreneur
Ajay Devgn isn’t just an actor—he’s a businessman with an eye for opportunity. One of his most successful ventures has been Devgn Films, his own production company, which he founded in 2000. The company has backed movies ranging from family hits like Raju Chacha to critically acclaimed projects like Parched. Ajay’s production house has not only given him creative control but also boosted his reputation in the industry as a savvy businessman who understands the pulse of his audience.
But Ajay’s entrepreneurial pursuits extend beyond cinema. He has a stake in the Indian Super League (ISL) team, FC Goa, joining the ranks of Bollywood stars investing in sports. Ajay’s interest in football isn’t just a whim; he’s been a vocal supporter of sports development in India, using his influence to promote the game across the country.
He’s also ventured into the food and beverage industry, partnering with the Charan Singh Group to launch a chain of multiplexes called NY Cinemas, named after his children, Nysa and Yug. The goal was to offer audiences a luxurious cinema experience, with his multiplexes located in cities across India.
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Ajay Devgn’s net worth
One of Bollywood’s most versatile and bankable actors, Ajay boasts an impressive net worth of over ₹420 crore. During Bollywood’s lull period post covid, his movies – Drishyam and Shaitaan, brought back audiences to the theatres and were major blockbusters. His latest release Singham Again, one of Indian cinema’s most expensive projects with a budget of over ₹300 crore has also seen some major success with box-office collections nearing ₹400 crore worldwide.
Beyond his cinematic success, Ajay has strategically diversified his wealth by investing in seven thriving brands. From owning companies to funding promising ventures, his portfolio reflects a sharp business acumen that complements his on-screen legacy. This blend of entertainment and enterprise has solidified his status as not just a star but a savvy investor shaping his financial empire.
Ajay’s eye for opportunity
Ajay’s approach to business is marked by a keen awareness of the changing times. Recognizing the shift towards renewable energy, he invested in solar power projects, helping India meet its renewable energy goals while expanding his portfolio. Additionally, Ajay has shown a knack for spotting promising startups. He has invested in Whistling Woods International, a film and media arts institute founded by Subhash Ghai, helping foster the next generation of Bollywood talent. Ajay’s also rumoured to have investments in tech startups, though he prefers to keep these details under wraps.
His real estate investments are equally noteworthy. Ajay owns multiple properties in Mumbai, including a sprawling bungalow in Juhu and luxury apartments around the city, not to mention vacation homes in London and other exotic locations. Ajay’s choices reveal a calculated strategy that blends stability with growth, ensuring that his wealth keeps expanding, whether Bollywood booms or busts.
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Current Projects: What’s Next for Ajay?
Ajay Devgn’s career continues to thrive. Recent films like Tanhaji showcased his enduring appeal and were box-office hits, proving that he’s still a force to be reckoned with. His recent projects include – Shaitaan, Maidaan, and Singham Again.
In addition to acting, Ajay is increasingly active behind the camera. His directorial venture Shivaay may not have broken records, but it demonstrated his commitment to telling stories on his own terms. He’s since announced plans to direct and produce more projects, focusing on stories that resonate with Indian audiences but also have global appeal.
What Sets Him Apart?
Ajay Devgn’s appeal lies in his relatability. He’s not trying to be Bollywood’s loudest personality or its most glamorous face. Instead, he’s built his brand on consistency, authenticity, and hard work. Ajay rarely engages in the celebrity drama that surrounds Bollywood, preferring a quieter life with his wife, actress Kajol, and their two children. His Instagram posts are more likely to feature family moments or new movie posters than flashy parties.
While his contemporaries are often spotted endorsing high-end brands, Ajay is selective about his endorsements. When he does choose a brand, it’s clear he believes in it, whether it’s a fitness product or a homegrown Indian company.
Conclusion: A legacy of quiet brilliance
Ajay Devgn has quietly carved a space in Bollywood, proving that a superstar doesn’t have to be all glitz and glamour. His journey from the shy son of a stunt director to one of India’s most versatile actors and shrewd businessmen speaks volumes about his work ethic and vision. Ajay’s story is one of resilience, one that young Bollywood hopefuls can look up to as a model of how to build a career based on passion, patience, and a few well-timed risks.
As he moves forward with his dual roles as an actor and businessman, it’s safe to say that Ajay Devgn will keep surprising us—sometimes with a thrilling stunt, sometimes with a business venture we never saw coming. Are you looking forward to seeing him in Singham Again?
