It has been almost a week since Maharashtra announced a 15-day shutdown and shoots were stalled amid the second wave of Coronavirus. However, until recently, a host of actors had been busy shooting and releasing new projects, and Ajay Devgn was leading from the front. He had completed almost two months’ shoot for his directorial, MayDay, which brings him together with Amitabh Bachchan, and his upcoming film, Maidaan.

Ask how does the year look for him now, and he says, “In January I was hopeful. I had completed 60 odd days of MayDay without a hitch and I got into shooting for Maidaan and Gangubai Kathiawadi (a special appearance). I shot for a couple of commercials, too. I was completely gung-ho about normalcy. But, this second wave has got me worried.”

Pinning all his hopes on the vaccination programme, the 52-year-old hopes the vaccine will bring relief. He tells us, “Covid-19 is like a Damocles sword hanging over our heads. Masks, face shields, sanitisers, getting the unit tested every 48 hours, it’s a huge challenge. Since the vaccine is now a reality, we’re hoping things will change.”

Talking about work, Devgn has in the past also helmed the action thriller Shivaay (2016) and U, Me Aur Hum (2008). So, what out of acting and directing excites him more? “All aspects of cinema thrill me,” he says, adding, “Acting has its own charm especially when you work with filmmakers who are masters of their craft.”

But he confesses he’s constantly in ‘director’ mode. “I can’t stop thinking how a shot should be taken, whether I am taking it or some other director is. I enjoy technology, I love VFX. Making a motion picture is a work of passion. I cannot choose between acting and filmmaking because I enjoy both,” concludes Devgn.