In a recent interview, actor Milind Gunaji expressed admiration for his Devdas co-star, Shah Rukh Khan, recounting a touching incident during the film’s shoot. Gunaji, who portrayed Kalibabu in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s iconic movie, shared how Shah Rukh Khan displayed genuine kindness and concern after learning about the loss of Gunaji’s father just before the shoot.
Reflecting on the challenging time, Gunaji praised Khan as a true gentleman, revealing how the Bollywood superstar would regularly sit with him on set. Khan reassured Gunaji, expressing sympathy for the situation and offering to halt the shoot if needed. According to Gunaji, both Shah Rukh Khan and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali conveyed their understanding and support during this difficult period.
Gunaji also delved into the behind-the-scenes details of the shooting of the famous song “Dola Re Dola,” featuring Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Recalling a particularly challenging long shot involving handheld cameras and intricate choreography, Gunaji shared that despite technical difficulties, Bhansali’s commitment to achieving the perfect shot prevailed.
Devdas, released in 2002, remains a significant milestone in Indian cinema history. The film, based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 Bengali novel, narrates the tragic tale of Devdas’ descent into a self-destructive life after his affluent family opposes his love affair. The cast, including Jackie Shroff, Kirron Kher, and Jaya Bhattacharya, contributed to the film’s enduring impact, making it one of the most cherished productions in Bollywood.