Ajay Devgan first appeared as a child artist in the 1985 Indian Hindi-language drama film ‘Pyari Behna’ directed by Bapu. He made his official big-screen debut in the 1991 Indian Hindi-language action romance film ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ directed by Kuku Kohli. The film earned praise from critics and was a major financial success. Devgan also bagged the ‘Filmfare Award’ for his performance in the film. The following year, he starred as ‘Raj Verma’ in the Indian Hindi-language martial arts film ‘Jigar’ which made big numbers at the box office. The year 1993 saw 8 releases of Devgan including ‘Divya Shakti,’ ‘Sangraam,’ ‘Dil Hai Betaab,’ and ‘Ek Hi Raasta.’ In 1994, he starred as ‘Arun Saxena’ in the Indian Hindi romantic action film ‘Dilwale’ directed by Harry Baweja. The film was a massive success at the box office and became one of the highest-grossing films of 1994.Â
He went on to star in films like ‘Vijaypath’ (1994), ‘Naajayaz’ (1995), ‘Gundaraj’ (1995), ‘Jung’ (1996), ‘Jaan’ (1996), and ‘Ishq’ (1997). In 1998, he starred as ‘Ajay R. Desai’ in the Indian Hindi-language drama film ‘Zakhm’ directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The film opened to positive reviews from critics. Devgan also won the ‘National Film Award,’ ‘Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award’ and ‘Screen Award’ for his performance in the film. The following year, he was seen playing the role of ‘Vanraj’ in the Indian Hindi-language romantic drama musical film ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film opened to critical acclaim and was a phenomenal box office success, grossing over ₹51.4 crores against a budget of ₹16 crores. That same year, he also appeared in the Indian Hindi-language action thriller film ‘Kachche Dhaage’ which was also a financial success.
The year 2001 saw the release of the Indian Hindi-language crime drama film ‘Lajja’ where Devgan was seen playing the role of ‘Bhulwa.’ The film opened to mixed reviews from critics who praised the performance of the cast. Devgan also earned the ‘Filmfare Award’ and the ‘Zee Cine Award’ nominations for his performance in the film. The following year, he portrayed ‘Bhagat Singh’ in the Indian Hindi-language biographical period film ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh’ directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Despite opening to positive reviews the film failed to perform at the box office. Nevertheless, Devgan earned massive praise for his role and earned the ‘National Film Award,’ ‘Filmfare Award,’ and ‘Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award.’ He next appeared in films like ‘Qayamat: City Under Threat’ (2003), ‘Khakee’ (2004), ‘Yuva’ (2004), ‘Insan’ (2005), ‘Kaal’ (2005), and ‘Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke’ (2006). In 2006, he starred as ‘Gopal’ in the Indian Hindi-language comedy film ‘Golmaal: Fun Unlimited’ directed by Rohit Shetty. The film earned praise from critics and did decent business at the box office. That same year, he also appeared in the Indian crime drama film ‘Omkara’ which was also a major critical and box office success. Devgan reprised his role as ‘Gopal’ in ‘Golmaal Returns’ (2008), ‘Golmaal 3’ (2010), and ‘Golmaal Again’ (2017).
He also appeared in films such as ‘Cash’ (2007), ‘U Me Aur Hum’ (2008) which also marked his directorial debut, ‘All the Best: Fun Begins’ (2009), ‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?’ (2010), ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ (2010), ‘Singham’ (2011), ‘Bol Bachchan’ (2012), ‘Himmatwala’ (2013), ‘Singham Returns’ (2014), ‘Drishyam’ (2015), ‘Shivaay’ (2016), ‘Raid’ (2018), ‘Total Dhamaal’ (2019), and ‘Tanhaji’ (2020). He was last seen in a cameo appearance in the 2021 Indian Hindi-language action film ‘Sooryavanshi’ directed by Rohit Shetty. The film was a financial success and became the highest-grossing film of 2021. He is all set to appear in the upcoming Indian Telugu-language period action drama film ‘RRR’ directed by S. S. Rajamouli. He will also be seen in the upcoming Indian Hindi-language drama thriller film ‘Runway 34.’ Devgan is also the director of the film.