Shah Rukh Khan‘s portrayal of Devdas remains one of his most iconic roles, and his performance is often compared to that of legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who starred in the 1955 adaptation.
At the Locarno Film Festival, SRK revisited memories of the character, especially the portrayal of Devdas’ drinking habit, which sparked much discussion. Back in 2002, he shared an interaction with Dilip Kumar, where the veteran actor gave him valuable insights into playing the tragic character, leaving a lasting impression on SRK’s interpretation.
Dilip Kumar, who famously played Devdas long before Shah Rukh Khan, offered valuable insight into the character when speaking to SRK.He described Devdas as “a child trapped in a man’s body,” emphasizing the emotional immaturity and vulnerability of the tragic character.In an interview, Shah Rukh shared that Dilip Kumar had to undergo psychiatric treatment for over a year after completing Devdas due to the intense nature of the role. The emotional toll of portraying such a complex character left a lasting impact on Kumar, highlighting the depth and intensity involved in playing Devdas. SRK reflected on how this insight influenced his own portrayal of the character in his 2002 adaptation.
SRK reflected on his acting journey, sharing that his early training came from the National School of Drama and semi-professional theatre work in Delhi. He emphasized how continuous learning comes from varied experiences, including two years in television and a decade in film. Khan also mentioned how observing children, especially his own, helps him grow as an actor. Their uninhibited nature inspires him, and he humorously added that he feels mentally aligned with his young son and daughter, appreciating the spontaneity they bring to life.
Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in Dunki after his previous two box office hits, Pathaan and Jawan. Up next, SRK is set to star alongside his daughter Suhana Khan in the film King, where he is reportedly playing the role of an assassin. Fans are excited to see the father-daughter duo share the screen for the first time.
