Shah Rukh Khan Shares How Portraying an Alcoholic in Devdas Changed Him

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OCTOBER 17,2024

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently opened up about his experience portraying the iconic character Devdas in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2002 blockbuster film Devdas. During a candid conversation at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, where he was honored with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism award, Khan shared personal stories about his career, his approach to acting, and the emotional challenges of bringing this complex role to life.

SRK's Determination to Play Devdas

In a chat organised by the event's producers, Shah Rukh Khan spoke about his decision to take on the role of Devdas, despite receiving advice from industry veterans to reconsider. The film, a grand period drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was an ambitious project. Khan praised Bhansali's vision and artistry, which motivated him to push forward with the film.

Khan revealed that his deep-seated belief in creating a film his late mother, Lateef Fatima, would have appreciated played a pivotal role in his decision. He said, 'For some reason, I always felt that if I make films that are very big, my mom and dad could see them from heaven. I just felt that if I made Devdas, she would really like it and appreciate it.'

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The Pressure of Following Legends

Taking on the role of Devdas came with immense pressure, as legendary actors like Dilip Kumar, KL Saigal, and Uttam Kumar had previously played the character. Khan acknowledged this daunting task, stating that he didn't feel his performance matched their brilliance. However, he aimed to offer a fresh interpretation, portraying Devdas as a non-committal man rather than a pitiable loser.

He explained, 'I didn't want you to feel love for him, but I didn't want you to hate him,' emphasising his effort to create a complex character with emotional depth.

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Coping With Anxiety During Filming

Khan candidly discussed the anxiety he experienced while filming Devdas, which led him to drink alcohol during production. When asked if drinking helped him with the performance, he humorously remarked, 'Well, I got the Best Actor award.'

However, Khan admitted that drinking became a habit even after the film's completion. He reflected on the toll it took on his health, saying, 'It might have helped, but I started drinking after the film and that's one downside to it.'

Devdas remains one of Shah Rukh Khan's most memorable performances, and this rare insight into his journey showcases the personal and professional challenges behind the iconic role.