Madhuri Dixit Looks Back at Devdas: “Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali Was Pure Magic”

The iconic actress opens up about Bhansali’s creative process, her unforgettable portrayal of Chandramukhi, and why the director’s ‘taskmaster’ image is often misunderstood

Madhuri Dixit recently revisited one of the most defining films of her career — Devdas — and shared heartfelt memories of working with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the lavish 2002 period drama. The film, which starred Shah Rukh Khan as the tragic Devdas and Aishwarya Rai as Paro, went on to become a landmark in Hindi cinema, celebrated for its grand visuals, haunting music, and emotionally charged performances.

Speaking about her experience, Madhuri described Devdas as a film where “every scene felt like poetry.” According to her, Bhansali’s storytelling style demanded complete emotional immersion from his actors, something she found creatively fulfilling rather than exhausting. Her portrayal of Chandramukhi — a courtesan whose strength lies in her quiet dignity and unconditional love — is still considered one of the finest performances of her career.

Madhuri also reflected on how she approached the character, revealing that she drew inspiration from the devotion and surrender often associated with Meera Bai. This perspective helped her bring an inner purity and emotional depth to Chandramukhi, despite the character’s tragic circumstances. The result was a role that balanced grace, pain, and selflessness — resonating strongly with audiences even decades later.

Addressing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s reputation as a strict perfectionist, Madhuri offered a refreshing counter-view. While acknowledging his intense focus on detail, she emphasized that he never restricted her creativity. Instead of micromanaging, Bhansali often encouraged her to simply bring “magic” to the scene, trusting her instincts as an actor. For Madhuri, this balance of discipline and creative freedom made the collaboration memorable.

The making of Devdas itself was as demanding as it was grand. From massive sets to heavy costumes, the physical and emotional effort required from the cast was immense. One of the most talked-about moments from the shoot remains Madhuri performing elaborate dance sequences in extremely heavy traditional attire, adding to the film’s visual splendor but also testing endurance.

Upon release, Devdas achieved massive commercial success and critical acclaim. It became the highest-grossing Hindi film of its year, earned multiple prestigious awards, and even received international recognition when it was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. Over time, it has cemented its place as a classic — often cited as one of the most visually stunning films ever made in Bollywood.

Today, both Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Leela Bhansali continue to command immense respect in the industry, each carving their own path while leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence. Madhuri’s reflections serve as a reminder of how rare and powerful true creative collaboration can be — and why Devdas continues to live on in the hearts of cinema lovers.

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