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Jackie Shroff Reveals Why Actors Rejected 'Devdas' Role
Confirmed
In Short: 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 recalled that when the role was offered to other actors, they declined, citing that their characters did not have prominent names.
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. He said, '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.'
In a recent interview, Shroff joked with a fan who had watched 'Devdas' five times, asking if she had noticed him in the film. He said, 'I was visible, right?'
Shroff expressed gratitude to filmmaker Subhash Ghai for giving him his breakthrough as a leading man with 'Hero' (1983) and credited the film’s iconic flute theme with establishing him as a star. He thanked Lord Krishna for blessing both him and his son, Tiger Shroff.
The tune was later reworked for a new generation in Tiger’s debut film 'Heropanti' (2014). Jackie Shroff was last seen in 'The Great Grand Superhero' and is gearing up for the release of his horror film 'Kaali Kheti' on October 23, 2026.
Shroff’s Chunnilal is a friend and confidant of Devdas who is closely connected to Chandramukhi. The role came to Shroff only after several other actors had turned it down.
Shroff also mentioned that he had no hesitation in accepting the role and was confident that even a supporting character could leave an impact on screen. He said, '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.'
What this adds
During the interview, Jackie Shroff also reflected on how the role of Chunnilal came his way and reiterated his attitude towards taking on roles that other actors may not want.
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's explanation of why actors rejected the role of Chunnilal in 'Devdas' adds new details to the previously reported story.
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.
- Shroff also expressed gratitude to filmmaker Subhash Ghai for giving him his breakthrough as a leading man with Hero (1983).
- The tune was later reworked for a new generation in Tiger’s debut film Heropanti (2014) Jackie Shroff was last seen in The Great Grand Superhero.
- Jackie’s Chunnilal is a friend and confidant of Devdas who is closely connected to Chandramukhi.
- Shroff, who was last seen in The Great Grand Superhero, is gearing up for the release of his horror film Kaali Kheti on October 23.
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.
- “When nobody accepts the role, they come to me, and I don’t mind,” Jackie said.
- The actor then reiterated his attitude towards taking on roles that other actors may not want.
- Jackie Shroff’s Chunnilal in 'Devdas' Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Devdas featured Shah Rukh Khan as 'Devdas', Aishwarya Rai as Paro and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi, with Jackie Shroff playing Chunnilal.
- 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.
- In an exclusive conversation with Republic Bharat, Shroff spoke at length about landing the role of Chunnilal.
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 · 11:10 AM ET 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.
- 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.