- By Ridhi Suri
- Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:17 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the 'King of Bollywood,' gained prominence in the 1990s with a string of blockbuster films. His illustrious career spans over three decades, featuring iconic titles such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, My Name is Khan and Chennai Express. After a brief hiatus, 2023 marked a significant comeback for SRK with the releases of Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki. Known for his versatility and charisma, he has a remarkable ability to connect with audiences worldwide. Now, in a recent podcast, Shah Rukh revealed that he took on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas, despite being cautioned against it, motivated by a desire to honour his mother.
During his conversation on the Locarno Meets podcast, the 57-year-old actor expressed his dream of creating grand films so that his parents, who passed away before his acting career began, could watch his work from above. He reflected on Devdas (2002), sharing that he was captivated by the script and the film's lavish setting, although the project initially faced challenges in getting off the ground. "There came a time that we wouldn't be doing it and I moved on. But I was very keen to do such a film in my career," Shah Rukh said.
"My parents had passed away by the time I joined films; both of them were not alive. I don't know, for some reason, I always felt I'll make films that are very big, so that my mom and dad can see them from heaven," he added.
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Although Shah Rukh Khan had reservations about taking on the role of Devdas—previously portrayed by iconic actors like Dilip Kumar and Uttam Kumar—he was motivated by a desire to honour his mother. He felt compelled to take on the challenge despite warnings from seasoned actors advising against it, wanting to convey to his mother, in spirit, that he had fulfilled this significant role. For him, it was not only about the character but also a chance to collaborate with renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
"I just wanted to do it, maybe just to tell my mom, 'Hey mom, I did Devdas.' For me, it was that first and also working with Mr. Bhansali," the actor stressed.
Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release in 2002, boasting a budget of ₹50 crore. Featuring Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit alongside Shah Rukh Khan, the film achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim. It also featured Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff in pivotal roles.