Happy birthday Ajay Devgn: April 2, 2026 marks the 57th birthday of one of Bollywood’s most enduring and enigmatic actors: Ajay Devgn. While fans flood social media with tributes to the Singham star, here’s a throwback to his quote from 2019 that continues to resonate, defining his ‘no-nonsense’ brand in an industry often obsessed with glitz.
Ajay Devgn’s quote on awards
In a 2019 interview with Rediff.com, Ajay Devgn pulled back the curtain on the glittering world of Bollywood award ceremonies and said, “I don’t perform at award functions nor attend them. Except for the National Awards, I don’t believe in any other awards because it’s just software for television. Awards are only given to those who attend the functions. So those who don’t attend will not get any.”
This isn’t just a bitter critique; it’s a peek into the mechanics of the Indian entertainment industry. Ajay’s ‘software for television’ comment highlights the shift of award shows from prestigious honours to commercial properties designed for TRPs. By prioritising the National Awards — judged by a government-appointed jury based on cinematic merit — Ajay draws a hard line between acting as a craft and acting as a promotional tool.
Ajay Devgn’s holds three National Film Awards
Since his debut in Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Ajay’s career has been a masterclass in versatility: from the action hero to the nuanced performer and even director. From his split-stunt on two motorcycles to the gravity-defying police officer in the Singham franchise, he redefined the ‘angry young man’ for a new generation.
His career spans several decades, with notable roles in Singham, Drishyam, and Tanhaji, for which he has also received numerous awards. Ajay holds three National Film Awards for best actor (Zakhm, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior), proving his depth goes far beyond flying cars. Moreover, under his banner, Ajay has pushed technical boundaries in films like Shivaay and Bholaa, showing a keen interest in cinematography and VFX.
Ajay was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2016 for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. He is married to Kajol. The actors share two children, Nysa and Yug; Ajay is famously protective of them.
