Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan says he knows success in the movie business is fleeting and that he doesn't need a bunch of hangers on and cronies by his side to boost his ego.

Devgan, who says he is also interested in directing movies and is working on his first script, is one of the rare Indian actors who does not aggressively promote himself.

"Those who create unnecessary hype around their careers know it is not for real,'' he said in an interview published Friday in the Mumbai newspaper. "If you have people constantly telling you how great you are, then that's not healthy for you.''

After starting his career in Bollywood with action roles, he has won critical acclaim for portraying gritty characters in several blockbuster movies, including "Apaharan'',''"Yuva''.''

He also played the lead in last year's hit "Omkara,'' a Bollywood version of Shakespeare's "Othello.''

"I think the most important thing is to be honest to your work,'' he said. "Success can be lost anytime.''