As recalled in a recent interview, Ajay, at 13, started making his own video films. He would shoot, edit, and act in these films.
Along with Vikram Bhatt, Ajay had directed Bobby Deol for a video in college. The short film, which included songs and action sequences, was shot in Khandala.In 2000, Ajay floated his production and distribution company Ajay Devgn Ffilms. His maiden production, Raju Chacha, was directed by Anil Devgn.In 2003, Ajay headlined Rohit Shetty’s directorial debut Zameen. The two were childhood friends and collaborators on several films.Ajay made his directorial debut in 2008 with U Me Aur Hum. The film also starred Kajol.In 2015, Ajay incorporated his Vfx company called NY VFXWAALA — named after his kids Nysa and Yug.Ajay is a visual effects enthusiast. His films Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha, Raju Chacha and mostly recently Tanajhi: The Unsung Warrior were noted for their VFX work.Also in 2015, Ajay produced Leela Yadav’s Parched. The Rajasthan-set film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.Ajay’s second directorial venture, Shivaay, was noted for its high-budget. The film grossed around 146.29 crore at the box-office.In 2016, Ajay was conferred the Padma Shri by the government of India. He has also won two National Film Awards.His highest grossing films till date are: Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Golmaal Again, Total Dhamaal and Singham Returns.In 2018, Ajay came on board for Total Dhamaal and also agreed to co-produced it. The film is credited for lifting director Indra Kumar out of a career slump.Released in January, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior became the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2020 so far. It also marked Ajay’s 100th film.Ajay has acquired the biopic rights of horror pioneers The Ramsay Brothers. The project will be co-produced by Priti Sinha and written by Ritesh Shah.Recently, Ajay donated Rs. 51 lakhs to the Federation of Western Indian Cinema Employees (FWICE). The sum will help daily wage workers affected by the coronavirus lockdown.