Devdas is a 2002 Indian Hindi-language period romantic drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and produced by Bharat Shah under his banner, Mega Bollywood. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit in lead roles, with Jackie Shroff, Kirron Kher, Smita Jaykar, and Vijayendra Ghatge in supporting roles. Based on the 1917 novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, the film narrates the story of Devdas Mukherjee (Khan), a wealthy law graduate who returns from London to marry his childhood friend, Parvati "Paro" (Rai). However, the rejection of their marriage by his own family sparks his descent into alcoholism, ultimately leading to his emotional deterioration and him seeking refuge with the golden-hearted courtesan Chandramukhi (Dixit).
Theatrical release poster
Nitin Chandrakant Desai was inspired from the Dilwara Temples (pictured) to build Chandramukhi's brothel.
The painter M. V. Dhurandhar's illustrations of ghagra cholis, which were parts of Dixit's costumes
The train sequences from Devdas were shot in Bikaner.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is an Indian filmmaker, producer and music composer, who is known for his work in Hindi films. He is the recipient of several awards, including 7 National Film Awards and 12 Filmfare Awards, in addition to a nomination for a BAFTA Award. In 2015, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award. Critically acclaimed for his use of aesthetics, musical vision and Period dramas, Bhansali is regarded as one of the best filmmakers of Indian cinema.
Bhansali in 2021
Bhansali with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone during the trailer launch of Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013.
The President, Pranab Mukherjee, presenting the Padma Shri Award to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 30 March 2015.
