Bhansali admires SRK's transformation from a 'big star in control' to 'fragile man' in Devdas!

Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 2002, is still regarded as one of Bollywood's most beloved and successful movies. The film's lavish settings, well-known star cast, and compelling narrative raised the bar for Hindi filmmaking. The director lauded Shah Rukh Khan, the "big star," in a recent interview, citing his on-screen transformation into a complex, frail, and sorrowful Devdas.

In a media chat, the filmmaker talked his experiences and theories behind making his great flicks. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with such amazing performers as Madhuri Dixit, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai, and even Shah Rukh Khan throughout the interview.

 

Regarding King Khan, Bhansali said that the actor performed a very unique role in Devdas. With Mohabbatein and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, among other successes during that period, Shah Rukh Khan became incredibly famous with viewers. He went on to portray the nuanced, flimsy, and devastated Devdas, who was divided between his love and family, in spite of his accomplishments.

Bhansali, Sanjay Leela, stated, "What Shah Rukh Khan did in Devdas is very special. Those close-ups, those moments, the fragility of a man who is always in control, was an audience; his arms were up. SLB went on to add, “But, in the film, he just became fragile; he said, 'Kaun kambakt bardaasht karne ko peeta hai (Who drinks to tolerate)' and looked at those eyes. So, they were all talented."

 

That year, Devdas took home multiple honors, including eleven at the 48th Filmfare Awards, where Shah Rukh Khan later won Best Actor. Aishwarya Rai, Jackie Shroff, and Madhuri Dixit all had prominent roles in the movie.