In 1999, Devgn starred in the romantic drama "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", in which he played Vanraj, a man who tries to help his wife (Aishwarya Rai) reunite with her lover (Salman Khan). Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam marked a significant turning point in Devgan's career. The film, an adaptation of Maitreyi Devi's Bengali novel "Na Hanyate", was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starred Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Devgn was highly praised for his performance. Rediff said: "Ajay's role reminds you of one he did in another film, "Pyar Tho Hona Hi Tha". There he is searching for the boyfriend of the girl he secretly loves. But intense scenes are his forte and he does well here. He's particularly good in the scene where he gets exasperated with his wife's stubbornness and strives to keep his cool." The movie was successful and Devgan was nominated for the Filmfare best actor award. After that, he appeared in "Hindustan Ki Kasam" with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre. He then worked with the director Milan Luthria in "Kachche Dhaage", with Saif Ali Khan and Manisha Koirala. The movie was a box-office hit. He then performed in the successful movie "Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet", a romantic comedy, and then in his home production movie with Kajol, and director, Prakash Jha. The film was titled "Dil Kya Kare". His other movies in 1999 were "Gair" and "Thakshak" in which he played a strong, silent man.