“I don't think there is any camp in the industry”- Ajay Devgan

Golmaal Returns (GR) has done very well and Ajay Devgan can't stop beaming. In a candid chat, the normally taciturn Devgan shoots straight from the hip:

How do you take it when Kareena says GR has worked because the producers used her as the USP?
Do I have to take it (laughs)? Everybody has the right to claim that a film's a hit because of them. These claims make me laugh. It's fair for everyone to claim anything but the bottomline is everybody who is part of the film is responsible for the film's success.

Are you happy with the film?
Yes. It's the highest grosser this year it's grossed 50 crore all over India (sixth-day figures). In Mumbai alone, GR touched more than Rs 9 crore. Collections-wise, it has done better than any film in the recent five years.

That's what the figures, distributors and exhibitors are saying about the collections. We should realise one thing if somebody's film works, the whole industry benefits by it. One should be happy and not crib about each other's successes.

Have Kajol and Nysa seen the film?
Yes. They saw it and loved it but the most unusual compliment I have received is being called 'cute' by my fans. I don't know if it suits me but I was laughing when I read it.

Arshad says his role has been chopped.
Everything is about promotion today. Arshad and Rohit will abuse each other today and make-up tomorrow but I am happy anything that helps in the promotion of the film! (grins). But if you are asking me if Arshad's role was really chopped I will say this from the script to the release GR is exactly the way it was narrated to everybody.

Why would Arshad lie?
Why don't you ask him? Everybody in the Golmaal unit will give you the same answer as me. Why would anyone want to chop his role? Is he not a good actor? I don't think anyone should complain about anything.

Today GR is a hit. But in the past years you took a laidback attitude and signed some bad films.
Yes I did make a couple of mistakes in the past. There were lots of things I did for friends and relationships which I realised I shouldn't be doing. But today, when friends come to me, I refuse outright. I tell them, 'if you need help, I can help you in some other way but this is going to harm you and me both'.

When's your next directorial venture happening?
I am working on my script. It's a completely wacko subject with a lot of dark humour and action.

There was a buzz that Kareena is in your next directorial venture.
I have no clue where that rumour originated from especially when I didn't even have a script then. I haven't approached Kareena for any of my home productions.

You have been bonding a lot with Salman Khan.
I have spent a month and a half with him while shooting for London Dreams. We got along very well during Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam also. The best thing is, whenever we have met after that we have always picked up from where we left off. We did that again. We get along well as we are both very straightforward and are honest people who don't care what others are doing. Salman and I are happy doing our own thing. We don't plan or plot to harm others; that's why we get along.

The bonding is interesting, especially when Salman and Shahrukh have had a fight and there is the perception that you don't like SRK.
There are lots of perceptions but I don't have any issues with anybody.

Which camp are you a part of today the SRK or Salman camp?
I don't think there is any camp or divide in the film industry today. Nor do I think that anybody is part of any camp. Tomorrow they will make up and then what happens to the camps? I haven't even thought of making my own camp ever so why should I be a part of anybody else's camp? One is so concerned with one's own life and pressures where does one have the time to be concerned about others? It's a small industry. Tomorrow if anyone needs help, I'm sure everyone will be there for him. I too will be there for any and everybody.