Sanjay Leela Bhansali reflects on his unique take on Devdas and honors Bimal Roy's legacy
Sanjay Leela Bhansali discussed his version of "Devdas," noting it differs significantly from Bimal Roy's adaptation. Bhansali aimed for a more colorful and operatic interpretation, featuring songs and amplified emotions, rather than a direct homage to the original novel. Bhansali expressed admiration for Roy's work, particularly Dilip Kumar's performance. He stated that comparing their versions is inappropriate, as each offers a unique cinematic experience. Bhansali's casting choices included Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit, who he felt brought depth to the characters. In a notable departure from the original story, Bhansali included a scene where Paro and Chandramukhi meet. He believes Roy would appreciate his film, even if he prefers his own version.