Kamlesh Sawant Recalls How Ajay Devgn Recognised Him on Drishyam Set After 11 Years

Kamlesh Sawant, known for playing Inspector Gaitonde in the Drishyam franchise, has recalled a memorable interaction with Ajay Devgn from the sets of the first film. As Drishyam The Conclusion prepares for its release, Sawant reflected on his association with Devgn and how the actor approached him during the shoot of the 2015 film.

Sawant previously worked with Devgn in the 2004 film Khakee, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Eleven years later, the two actors reunited for Drishyam, which was filmed in Goa.

Reflecting on the experience, Sawant noted that he generally avoids approaching established actors on set to focus on his character. However, he recalled that Devgn initiated a conversation with him during the filming.

“In 2004 I did Khakee with Ajay Devgn which was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, after 11 years, we were doing Drishyam in Goa, I usually don’t go up to superstars and disturb them on shoot days and rather focus on my character’s take,” Sawant said.

Recalling Devgn's specific comments, Sawant shared, “One day Ajay Devgn sir saw me and walked up to me and said, ‘Kamlesh Tu Khakee mein tha na, black mein, mein tuje goli marta hu.’ And then he said, ‘Now everyone around wanted to know who is playing Gaitonde, let’s make the best of his character.’”

Sawant responded by assuring Devgn of his dedication to the role. “I replied, ‘Nahi sir, iss character ko nibhane ki, nayae dene ki mein puri koshish karunga.’ So, that is the kind of legend Ajay Devgn is; he himself walked up to have a conversation with me, and it is a very big deal for a character actor like me,” he added.

Sawant has played Inspector Gaitonde across the franchise, where the character remains closely tied to the investigation surrounding Vijay Salgaonkar and his family.

Drishyam The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and features a cast including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, Kamlesh Sawant, Ishita Dutta, and Mrunal Jadhav. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026, with advance bookings opening on September 27.