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Jackie Shroff reveals why actors rejected the role of Chunnilal in Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas
Confirmed
In Short: Jackie Shroff's explanation of why actors rejected the role of Chunnilal in 'Devdas' adds new details to the previously reported story.
During an interview with Republic Bharat, Jackie Shroff revealed why several actors had initially turned down the role of Chunnilal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas.'
Shroff recounted that when the role was offered to other actors, they declined, citing that their characters did not have prominent names.
Shroff played the role of Chunnilal, a friend and confidant of Devdas who is closely connected to Chandramukhi, portrayed by Madhuri Dixit.
Shroff also mentioned that he was the king of Chandramukhi's brothel and was not concerned about the amount of screen time he would receive.
In a recent interview, Shroff joked with a fan who had watched 'Devdas' five times, asking if she had noticed him in the film.
Shroff credited Subhash Ghai for giving him his breakthrough as a leading man with 'Hero' (1983) and expressed gratitude for the iconic flute theme that played a significant role in establishing him as a star.
The tune was later reworked for a new generation in his son Tiger Shroff’s debut film 'Heropanti' (2014).
Shroff is gearing up for the release of his horror film 'Kaali Kheti' on October 23.
The sources have not established the exact number of actors who declined the role or the specific reasons beyond the lack of a prominent character name.
Background
Jackie Shroff said several actors turned down the role of Chunnilal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas' before he accepted it.
What's confirmed
- During an interview with Republic Bharat, Jackie recalled his Devdas days after a woman in the audience told him that she had watched the film five times.
- Jackie Shroff recently opened up about playing the iconic Chunnilal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali ’s Devdas, revealing that the role came to him only after several other actors had turned it down.
- To those whom the film had been offered, they said, ‘My character’s name isn’t even there…Devdas is his name.’ So, when nobody accepts the role, it comes to me, and I said, ‘Yes, I’ll do this role.’ Madhuri (Dixit) ji is there, and I am the king of her character’s (Chandramukhi) brothel.
What's still developing
- Also Read: ‘Everyone was thrashing me’: Salman Khan recalls how Dus Ka Dum saved him from career downfall During the conversation, Jackie Shroff credited actor-filmmaker Dev Anand with spotting him and offering him a junior artiste’s role in Swami Dada (1982), in which he played one of Shakti Kapoor’s henchmen.
- In a recent interview, the veteran actor said he had no hesitation in accepting the role and was confident that even a supporting character could leave an impact on screen.
- He recalled, “Madhuri (Dixit) ji is there, and I am the king of her character’s (Chandramukhi) brothel. Why shouldn’t I sit there. I said, ‘Very good’ and asked what’s the second thing that I have. They (filmmaker) said ‘There is one song for you and these are the dialogues.’” After reading his lines, Jackie said he was not concerned about the amount of screen time he would receive.
- “I read the dialogues, and I said, ‘Even if my role comes during the interval, it won’t matter to me because I am seen merely by standing.’ And, I was seen in Devdas,” he added.
- Jackie Shroff tells fan, ‘I was visible, right?’ Jackie later turned to the woman who had praised the film and jokingly asked whether she had noticed him in it.
- “When nobody accepts the role, they come to me, and I don’t mind,” Jackie said.
- The actor then reflected on how the role of Chunnilal came his way.
- The actor then reiterated his attitude towards taking on roles that other actors may not want.
- The 69-year-old actor, who received critical acclaim for his memorable portrayal of Chunnilal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 romantic drama, explained why several stars had rejected the role.