New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan has always been known for his commitment to his craft, but sometimes that dedication comes at a personal cost. In a recent candid interaction at the Locarno Film Festival, the Bollywood superstar revealed that his portrayal of the iconic alcoholic character, Devdas, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 film had an unexpected impact on his life.
Speaking about his method-acting approach to the role, SRK admitted that he turned to alcohol to better embody the tragic character. While this added authenticity to his performance, which earned him the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actor, it also had negative consequences for his health. “I started drinking after the film, and that’s one downside to it,” the actor shared.
Shah Rukh Khan talks about his Devdas role
Devdas, originally penned by Bengali novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1917, is one of the most famous tragic heroes in Indian literature. Shah Rukh’s portrayal of the heartbroken lover, who descends into alcoholism after losing his true love, left a lasting impression on audiences. However, the actor explained that his goal was to make Devdas a complex figure, one that viewers wouldn’t simply love or hate. “I didn’t want you to feel love for him, but I didn’t want you to hate him either,” he explained. “I wanted him to appear indescribable.”
Devdas was not just a career milestone for Shah Rukh Khan but also a landmark in Indian cinema. The film, which also starred Aishwarya Rai as Paro and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi, was a grand spectacle with elaborate sets and beautiful costumes. Bhansali’s adaptation followed the 1955 classic by Bimal Roy, which had Dilip Kumar in the titular role. However, the filmmaker’s version stood out, with a star-studded cast and Ismail Darbar’s unforgettable music.
Despite being made on a then-record budget of Rs 50 crore, Devdas became a major box-office success, earning Rs 99.88 crore globally. The film also had the rare honour of premiering at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming movie
Shah Rukh Khan is now gearing up for his next release, King, a crime drama directed by Sujoy Ghosh. In the film, he’ll reportedly play an assassin and share the screen with his daughter, Suhana Khan. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, King is set to release on Eid 2026.
