Even after being on the big screen for more than 20 years, Devdas still sparks discussions among its own makers. Shah Rukh Khan, who portrayed the tragic lead, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film’s director, recently revived their old argument. Their opposing takes on the character reveal a deeper conflict about how we perceive love, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability.
I Was Too Cool to Be Devdas,” Said SRK
Shah Rukh Khan, known for his confident, larger-than-life roles, admitted in a candid moment at a film event that he never truly connected with the character of Devdas.
“Devdas is a loser. He’s a guy who drinks; doesn’t marry the woman he loves… I’m too cool to be Devdas,” he said, half-jokingly.
SRK’s view was shaped by how he wanted audiences to understand the role not as a romantic hero, but as a warning. To him, Devdas was emotionally fragile, confused, and not someone to be idealized.
Bhansali Sees Devdas Differently: “He Loved Beyond Limits”
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, however, holds a completely different view. In his eyes, Devdas wasn’t weak, he was someone who loved too deeply.
He’s not a loser. He’s the most noble character I’ve ever written. His love was pure, unconditional,” Bhansali once shared in an interview.
To Bhansali, Devdas is tragic, yes but not because he’s a failure. He’s tragic because he represents a kind of emotional intensity and depth that’s rare and, perhaps, misunderstood.
A Film That Demanded Everything
Composer Monty Sharma, who created the unforgettable background score for Devdas, revealed just how intense the process was. He had to postpone his wedding five times just to keep up with the pace and precision Bhansali demanded.
The fact that there was such pressure indicates that Devdas was more than just a movie. Everybody engaged in the tale, both on and off screen, was passionate about it.
Why This Still Hits Home
Whether you side with SRK’s realistic take or Bhansali’s poetic vision, one thing is clear: Devdas continues to strike a chord because it reflects something raw in all of us. Our messy emotions. Our impossible loves. Our heartbreaks.
It’s not just about a man who lost love. It’s about how we try and often fail to make peace with what we’ve lost.
