Sanjay Leela Bhansali, renowned for his cinematic brilliance, counts Devdas (2002) among his crowning achievements. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit in pivotal roles, the film has stood the test of time with its captivating narrative, grand sets, stellar performances, and timeless music.
Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, Bhansali expressed profound gratitude for the enduring love the film continues to receive.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali Says Devdas Is Close To His Heart
“Devdas is a film that is very close to my heart,” Bhansali remarked, reflecting on the film’s journey. “Over the last 22 years, it has been celebrated and received love from people at the National Awards, Filmfare, IIFA, Cannes Film Festival, BAFTA, and most importantly, from audiences. I hope this love continues to grow worldwide.”
He Feels Today’s Actors Can’t Deliver Something Like Devdas
Earlier, In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali highlighted the evolution of Indian cinema and filmmaking techniques. “I think the cinema has changed, techniques have changed. Now a director looks at cinema differently. The scriptwriters are writing differently and sketching varied and unusual roles. It is a great time for Indian cinema. Today, great films are being made, and wonderful work is being done.”
Discussing the distinctive acting style of Devdas, Bhansali noted, “The sur (tone) and the note at which Devdas was being performed, it was high pitch and operatic… it was difficult to perform. In those days, directors demanded actors to be that way but today, they ask actors to underplay and be subtle which is also nice. What Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, and Kirron Kher did in Devdas, are notes and sur that today’s actors may not be able to deliver because they were a little unreal and demanded a deeper understanding of the acting techniques which Shah Rukh handled with brilliance.”
SLB’s Work Front
On the professional front, Bhansali’s debut series Heeramandi premiered on an OTT platform on May 1 to critical acclaim. The series features a stellar cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Richa Chadha, with Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman, and Taha Shah Badussha in pivotal roles.
He is now all set to direct Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in a love triangle drama Love & War.
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