Sanjay Leela Bhansali praises Shah Rukh Khan’s transformation from a ‘big star in control’ to ‘fragile man’ in Devdas: ‘What he did is very special’

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As a connoisseur of Hindi cinema with decades of immersive experiences under my belt, I must confess that Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s masterpiece, Devdas, continues to stand out as one of the most captivating films ever produced in Bollywood. The grandeur of its sets, the stellar performances of its star-studded cast, and the intricate storytelling have set a standard that remains unparalleled.

2002’s film “Devdas” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali continues to be a cherished and widely admired production in the Bollywood industry. Its opulent sets, renowned acting talent, and compelling storyline set new benchmarks for Hindi cinema. In a recent conversation, the filmmaker expressed appreciation for Shah Rukh Khan, the lead actor who convincingly portrayed the intricate, delicate, and sorrowful character of Devdas.

The filmmaker recently sat down with the Hollywood Reporter India and discussed his experiences and thoughts behind making his grand films. During the conversation, he appreciated how he got to work with talented actors like Madhuri Dixit, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai, and even Shah Rukh Khan. 

Discussing King Khan, Bhansali praised Shah Rukh’s exceptional work in the film Devdas. During that period, SRK garnered immense admiration among viewers with hits like Mohabbatein and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. However, despite his numerous successes, he chose to tackle the intricate, delicate, and sorrowful role of Devdas, a character tormented by his love and family duties.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali expressed that Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in Devdas was extraordinary. He mentioned the powerful close-ups and emotional moments, showcasing a man who is usually strong, revealing his vulnerability to the audience. Bhansali further explained, “In the movie, he transformed into a fragile character; he uttered ‘Kaun kambakt bardaasht karne ko peeta hai (Who drinks to tolerate)’ and gazed deeply into those eyes. Thus, they were all immensely talented actors.

That particular year saw me being part of a movie that garnered numerous accolades, among them eleven awards at the 48th Filmfare Awards. Incidentally, Shah Rukh Khan was also bestowed with the Best Actor honor for his exceptional performance. The film boasted an illustrious cast featuring Aishwarya Rai, Jackie Shroff, and Madhuri Dixit in pivotal roles.

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2024-10-09 09:37