SRK was thrilled to own the rights, adding, “We as a production company bought the rights to this film back, and I’m very, very proud that it belongs to our company now.”
Shah Rukh Khan reflected on the challenges and pressures of adapting a well-known epic love story into film, noting that there have already been over 18 versions, including a classic one with Dilip Kumar. He mentioned that many discouraged him from taking on the role because it differed from his previous characters. Additionally, he noted that by the time Sanjay Leela Bhansali proposed the film, the cultural climate in India was shifting towards more modern, commercial entertainment, which made the story seem outdated to some.
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He further discussed the financial difficulties and delays, as it became one of India’s most expensive films. Despite these issues, he found the project fulfilling as it was a tribute to his mother, who loved the original story. He shared that many in the industry advised him against taking the role, suggesting it was not suited to his usual style. Nevertheless, he was motivated by a personal connection and an unfinished dream. “This is not your zone. You are more pop culture,” SRK quoted the advice he received from industry insiders. Dilip Kumar also appreciated the work. SRK gave all the credit to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for creating such a masterpiece.
The film’s extravagant production demanded significant resources, with Shah Rukh Khan recalling the extensive use of 90 generators to achieve the required lighting. He described the film as lavish and grand, highlighting the opulence of the costumes and drama. The King Khan of Bollywood praised his co-stars, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, and Jackie Shroff, and reflected on his role as the titular character. He noted the challenge of wearing intricate Indian attire, particularly the dhoti-kurta, which was difficult to manage and often fell off during scenes. To address this, he humorously resorted to using a zipper, admitting it was an unconventional solution but necessary to prevent wardrobe malfunctions.
SRK concluded by describing ‘Devdas’ as a “modern-day masterpiece” that achieved cult status and international acclaim. He praised the film for embodying Indian cinema through its grandeur, beauty, and theatricality. Khan highlighted its dramatic and dialogue-rich nature, noting that it features some of the finest dance sequences he has ever performed.
