Sanjay Leela Bhansali defends 'Devdas' against Shah Rukh Khan's 'Loser' label: He’s the most noble of any of my characters

In the film 'Devdas', Shah Rukh Khan portrays the titular character, a tragic romantic who spirals into self-destruction after being denied the love of Paro. Devdas embodies deep emotional turmoil and unfulfilled desire, ultimately succumbing to alcoholism as he grapples with societal constraints and personal failures.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently addressed Shah Rukh Khan's comments regarding his portrayal of the character Devdas in the film.In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali defended his vision of Devdas, who has often been labeled a "loser" due to his self-destructive tendencies and alcoholism. This conversation has reignited debates about the character's depiction and the broader implications of romanticizing toxic behavior.
Bhansali articulated his view on the character, emphasizing that the essence of 'Devdas' is not merely about failure or addiction. He stated, “What is the story of Devdas? That he’s a loser, he doesn’t do anything, he gets upset… My actors didn’t understand why we’re telling this story. They said, ‘Oh, it’s romanticising alcoholism’. I said, ‘This is the story of a man who loved.’”
He further elaborated that Devdas represents a profound love for Paro, asserting, “He’s not a loser. He’s the most noble of any of my characters. He loved Paro.” This perspective challenges the notion that Devdas should be viewed solely as a tragic figure devoid of redeeming qualities.
At the Locarno Film Festival, Shah Rukh Khan recounted his initial hesitations about taking on the role. He expressed that he felt "too cool" to portray someone he perceived as a "loser" and an alcoholic. However, Bhansali's passionate insistence ultimately swayed him. Khan recalled, “I said, no, he’s a loser, an alcoholic. I’m too cool to be Devdas! So... he just said one thing... ‘I’ll not make this film if not with you, because your eyes are like Devdas.’” This moment highlights Bhansali's unique vision for the character and his belief in Khan's ability to embody that vision.