Ajay Devgn, born Vishal Devgan to action director Veeru Devgan, announced himself with a now-iconic split atop two moving motorcycles in Phool Aur Kaante. Through the 1990s he balanced action-hero duties with intense dramatic work, winning a National Film Award for Zakhm and another for his fiery portrayal of the revolutionary in The Legend of Bhagat Singh.

In over 100 films he has moved easily between brooding drama (Omkara, Drishyam), comedy (the Golmaal series), and mass action — none bigger than Singham, whose no-nonsense cop Bajirao Singham anchors Rohit Shetty's cop universe. He directed films including Shivaay and Runway 34, runs his own production house, and received the Padma Shri in 2016. Married to actress Kajol, he added a third Best Actor National Award for Tanhaji and continues to headline hits like Drishyam 2 and Raid 2.

Filmography Highlights

• Phool Aur Kaante (1991) — Debut famous for the twin-motorcycle stunt entrance
• Zakhm (1998) — Drama that earned his first National Film Award
• Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) — Restrained, affecting turn in Bhansali's love triangle
• The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) — National Award-winning portrait of the revolutionary
• Omkara (2006) — Brooding Othello adaptation by Vishal Bhardwaj
• Singham (2011) — Career-defining cop role that spawned a franchise
• Drishyam (2015) — Gripping thriller about a family man covering up a crime
• Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020) — Period actioner; third Best Actor National Award

Image: Wikimedia Commons. Part of the Top 50 Bollywood Celebrities series. Ranking inspired by popular industry listings; profiles are original editorial content.