It’s fair to say that Ajay Devgan’s best work has been under the baton of director Rajkumar Santoshi. They have done Lajja, The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Khakee together.

In a few weeks from now Ajay will again be seen onscreen with Santoshi’s latest Halla Bol, which is being described as a Rang De Basanti kind of a wakeup-call movie.

The actor is also giving finishing touches to his directorial debut, which stars Kajol as the leading lady. CNN-IBN Entertainment Editor Rajeev Masand talks movies with Ajay.

Rajeev Masand: Your new film Halla Bol is your fourth film with Rajkumar Santoshi. How does he manage to bring the best in you every time?

Ajay Devgan: He is a fantastic director and writer himself. If you say that my performances in his films are better then it’s because he is an actor himself. When he is narrating a scene he is actually performing it. And what’s scary then is whether I will be able to do it as well as he is doing it. He does it so honestly that he doesn’t even realise that he is performing. So, that makes all the difference.

Rajeev Masand: Does he direct you better or does he give you better roles?

Ajay Devgan: I guess it’s both. Roles are fantastic. I have a great role in Halla Bol. I think we share a rapport now wherein we understand each other really well. So that makes a difference. Maybe it’s because when you know an actor the writing is done accordingly.

Rajeev Masand: You have also just turned director with the film You, Me and Hum. Was it the right time or the right film to turn director with?

Ajay Devgan: Whenever you want to do something from your heart it is always the right time. That’s what I believe in. I also don’t plan too many things. If I feel like doing something then I go ahead and do it and don’t think about the consequences.

Regarding the script, yes, I had an idea and I worked on it. Since the thought was mine so I decided I should make it myself. So I went ahead and did it.

The idea is not to prove a point that I am trying to make a classic. I have made a commercial, simple film from the heart, which is not trying to approve anything. I have tried to say something but one has to read between the lines for it. Yet it is all in a completely commercial format.

Rajeev Masand: You are also the lead in the film. Was it difficult to direct yourself?

Ajay Devgan: No, I don’t think so. If one is clear about what one wants then it’s not difficult.

Rajeev Masand: You have seen Kajol through an actor’s eyes because you have done so many films with her. You have also heard people say that she is an amazing actor. But now through a director’s eyes have you been able to find out what is it about her that makes her such a wonderful actor?

Ajay Devgan: I don’t know. She is a fantastic actress but I can’t figure out where she gets it from.