Ajay Devgn is one of the few versatile actors in showbiz. In his 20-year career, he has tackled everything from action to drama, emotion to comedy with equal ease. Ajay is thrilled with the response to his family film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge the audiences are really enjoying this family film and its running successfully in theatres even in its second week.

When asked about being typecast as an action hero earlier "The films used to be formula based. There had to be four action sequences, some songs and dances, a couple of emotional scenes and voila, a film was ready. As an actor you couldn't protest much because the answer would be that this is the only thing that worked. Thank goodness the audience has started challenging the filmmakers now. They are no more willing to take anything routine, substandard or unpredictable,” the actor said.

The actor said he had always tried to strike a balance between commercial and offbeat films, but it has become a lot more easier now "I have worked on diverse films like 'Raincoat', 'Zakhm' and 'Thakshak' at regular intervals. I wanted to try out different things all the time. Some worked and some didn't work but then I have no regrets. I was trying at least," said Devgn.

Devgn has a busy year ahead with a number of releases lined up including Prakash Jha's 'Rajneeti' where he will share screen space with Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar and Manoj Bajpai.

His other films are 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbai', 'Garam Hawa', 'Toonpur Ka Superhero' and 'Golmaal 3', all of which are set to release this year.

Though Ajay is trilled with the success of “Atithi …” but he is frowning at titles like ‘King of Comedy’ and ‘Best Comic Actor’. “I’m happy that Atithi... carried good word of mouth publicity is steady at the ticket windows. However, I’m not happy with being labelled just a good comic actor,” he said.

The actor begs to differ. Assessing his latest career moves, Ajay said, “I’m going to do Golmaal-3 next. It’s a laugh-a-riot like its prequels. However, the point I’m making is that unlike other actors who have made one genre their forte, I have always mixed and matched my cinema. And I have thoroughly enjoyed whatever work I have taken on.”

He doesn’t wish to go into the history of his histrionics but in 2010 alone, Ajay will be seen in cross genre cinema. He has just wrapped up Priyadarshan’s Garam Hawa that is a social thriller based on a very gritty subject. “My next release could be Milan Luthria’s Once Upon a Time in Mumbai that is in the Company genre. Then there is Toonpur Ka Superhero that will perhaps have more appeal for children. And in Diwali, Golmaal-3 should release,” he revealed.

Ajay has also purchased the rights for a South Indian action film that will be directed by his best friend Rohit Shetty. The two are also in talks with a couple of popular filmmakers for their next films. “My line up for 2011 is also a mixed bag,” said the actor. “Hence I feel I shouldn’t be button-holed.”

He should be given marks for trying his hand at various things after all, whether it is comedy, action or serious emotions, Ajay has always given commendable performances.

Your image is that of a very moody person but those who have worked with you have a completely different opinion “Those who know me know that I am not moody. I guess my films have contributed to that image. But I guess I will have to change that now.”

He will be seen playing Haji Mastan in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai how different its going to be than his earlier portrayals of don’s “It’s not completely based on but inspired by his life. It was fun, as it required going back to the 1970s complete with bell-bottoms and typical mannerisms. I am enjoying playing a don again. It’s different from what I did in Company.”

Working only with the directors you are close to... “That’s not true. I won’t deny the fact that I am very comfortable working with Priyan or Rohit (Shetty) or Prakash Jha. But I am also open to working with other directors.”

Are you becoming more social? You were seen at an awards ceremony recently “I was there in the capacity of a producer (for All The Best). My film was nominated and everyone said that I should be there, so I went. Otherwise I get bored by all this.”