New Dehi: Shah Rukh Khan changed his personality on-screen with the alcoholic Devdas that he played in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama '2002'. A blockbuster in its own right, the actor has now revealed that he took to drinking and method acting for his role in the blockbuster film. In a recent interaction at the Locarno Film Festival, the actor said that method acting worked in his favour and against him.
What SRK said at the film festival
Shah Rukh Kha said that he turned to alchohol in order to play the title role. When asked if it turned out well, the megastar said that it did professionally as he was given the Best Actor award the next year. However, that came with a baggage of its own kind. "It might have helped, but I started drinking after the film and that’s one downside to it,” he said.
Speaking about his portrayal of the iconic character, written and first conceived by the Bengali novelist Sarat CHandra Chattopadhya back in 1917, he said, "I didn’t want you to feel love for him, but I didn’t want you to hate him. Nor did I want you to like him for being an alcoholic who runs away from every girl that he falls in love with. I just wanted him to appear indescribable."
About Devdas
Sanjay Leela Bhansali turned the Devdas story into a film. His 'Devdas' starred Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, Kirron Kher, Tiku Talsania and Dina Pathak. Produced by Bharat Shah's Mega Bollywood, Devdas became a rare Hindi film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival that year. The film's music was composed by Ismail Darbar.
Made on a then -unprecedented budget of Rs. 50 cr, 'Devdas' collected almost Rs. 100 cr worldwide.
SRK upcoming projects
Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in 'King', a crime drama directed by Sujoy Ghosh. He will also be sharing screen space with his daughter Suhana Khan in an age-appropriate role. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, 'King' is slated to release in cinemas on Eid 2026.