Recently, it came to light that Siddharth Nigam was passed over for the lead role in Azaad in favour of Aaman Devgan, actor Ajay Devgn’s nephew.

Siddharth, who has appeared in Hindi films like Dhoom 3 (2013) and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), tells us, “After 10 years in the industry, it hits hard when something you’ve worked towards slips away because of something out of your control, like someone’s last name. I was in talks, prepped, and ready, and then suddenly the project went to Aaman. There was no explanation, no closure, just silence.”

However, he holds no resentment and instead points to the industry’s “unspoken requirement” that shapes an actor’s rise. “I don’t have a godfather, but sometimes, I wish I did. I’ve always had to be my own support system. My mother, my brother — we’ve built everything from scratch. I have worked really hard to be where I am today,” he says.

When Aaman Devgan injured his knee, it wasn’t just a physical setback, it changed everything for a while. “It happened when I was playing football after shooting for Azaad. I’d already had a bit of an impact while horse riding during the shoot, but back in Mumbai, my leg just snapped during a match.”

It turned out to be a serious ligament tear, one that required surgery. “You can’t really heal it naturally, so you have to go in for an operation. And after that, it’s weeks of bedrest, a leg brace, and then loads of physiotherapy.”

That recovery came just as Azaad promotions were about to begin. “We had to dance on stage, travel to different cities. My doctors weren’t happy about it, but there was no choice. You have to show up for your film.” Aaman had to work around it.

“I’d tape up my knee before a show, then limp off stage, straight into the car and start icing it again.”

Physically painful, yes — but the mental side was worse. He recalls, “Being stuck in bed when you’re young and full of energy, it’s tough. The mental part is harder than the physical pain.”

As a long-time football lover, Aaman took comfort in hearing how professional players recovered from similar injuries. “I’d watch videos, listen to their interviews. It helped me stay focused.”

Though he didn’t need formal therapy, Aaman leaned on friends and people for comfort. “They knew what each stage felt like, so that really helped.”

Coming from a family known for action — being Veeru Devgan’s grandson and Ajay Devgn’s nephew — Aaman grew up watching toughness in action. “I’ve seen my uncle injured and still turning up to shoot the next day. I think that gave me some of that mental strength and passion to be fit.”

Now, he’s back in the gym, doing two sessions a day, one for strength, one for his knee. He often works out with Ajay. “Even on holiday, he sticks to his routine. If you’re with him, you’ve got to wake up early and get it done. But honestly, training with someone you admire pushes you harder.”

For young men looking after themselves, Aaman keeps it simple: show up to the gym even on lazy days, care for your skin (thanks to the women in his life), wear what makes you feel comfortable, and eat sensibly. “I love my cheat days. I’m lucky that I don’t put on weight easily, but I do try and stay off sugar.”

If home is where the heart is, Ajay Devgn’s heart is currently in Goa. It turns out before the pandemic, the actor had bought a sprawling bungalow in Moira in north Goa. This year, he had it renovated just in time for New Year celebrations. Last week, Devgn—along with actor-wife Kajol, children Nysa and Yug, and the rest of the family— headed out to the beach state to ring in the new year in the comfort and quiet of their luxurious villa.

The superstar’s fondness for Goa is not surprising. He is said to have fallen in love with the state while shooting for his Golmaal and Singham franchises. A source reveals, “When he learnt of the spacious, seven-bedroom bungalow in Moira, he promptly saw the property and was taken by it. He saw it as the perfect home away from home for his family.”

He threw open the doors of his lavish bungalow earlier this year for the shoot of his nephew Aaman Devgan’s yet-untitled debut vehicle, which is directed by Abhishek Kapoor. The source adds, “Some portions of the action-adventure film, also starring Rasha Thadani, have been shot at the Moira property. After the shoot concluded, Ajay sat down with his architect to have it renovated. It now includes a landscape garden, designer pool and a special elevator installed for his mother Veena Devgn, which directly leads to her room. Ajay personally supervised the décor, and the residence’s stylish interiors reflect his aesthetics. The Devgn family, including Ajay’s sister Neelam and his nephews Aaman and Danish, are currently holidaying there.”

We hear the actor is negotiating a deal for another property in the same area.

After his New Year’s break, Devgn will dive into a month-long schedule of Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again in Hyderabad. “From the third week of January, Rohit will begin the film’s final schedule that will see leading lady Kareena Kapoor Khan join Ajay,” says the source.

After he wraps up Singham Again, Devgn apparently has two movies lined up—Rajkumar Gupta’s Raid 2, and the sequel to Son Of Sardaar (2012). The actor will choose the one he wants to begin first.