Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s iconic film, Devdas, that got released in 2002, has been considered a cult classic for a reason. The magnum opus, based on a novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay won millions of hearts worldwide. Be it through its stunning ensemble cast, melodious songs and top-notch acting skills, the film still pulls a chord in the hearts of the audiences. However, did you know that Saif Ali Khan was also supposed to be a part of the film? Well, the actor himself revealed the same in one of his older interviews.
Saif Ali Khan was the first choice for Sanjay Leela Bhansali to play the role of the character, ‘Chunilal’ in the film, Devdas. However, the actor got replaced at the last minute, without even getting informed about the same. In one of his interviews with Nilufer Qureshi in 2001, Saif mentioned how he decided to take up Dil Chahta Hai and not Devdas. He mentioned that he had a bit of miscommunication with filmmaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, as he replaced him at the last minute for Devdas. He had mentioned:
“Though Sanjay Bhansali thinks I’m silly, let me make it very clear that I didn’t turn him down. There was a miscommunication between us on the price. Also, let me clarify that I didn’t ask for an obscene sum of money. Without getting back to me and discussing the price, Sanjay closed the chapter. Nobody even told me that the negotiations were off till I called back to find out what was happening.”
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In the same interview, Saif further mentioned how, in the first place, he felt hopelessly miscast for a role such as that of ‘Chunilal’, despite Sanjay Leela Bhansali considering him suitable for the same. Moreover, he also critiqued the legendary actor, Motilal who played the role previously in the film, Devdas that was directed by Bimal Roy. In his words:
“I felt I’d be hopelessly miscast as Chunilal. I didn’t think the role suited Motilal either in Bimal Roy’s Devdas. But at least, Motilal and Chunilal rhyme.”
Well, when we speak about Saif Ali Khan rejecting the role of 'Chunilal' in Devdas, it does not mark the end of the list of iconic films that he had rejected. For the unversed, Saif was offered to play the pivotal roles in films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, 2 States, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Talaash. However, due to one reason or the other, Saif had rejected the roles and these ended up being portrayed by some of the other most talented actors in the film industry.
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In one of his earlier interviews with the Mid Day, Saif Ali Khan was asked to retrospect on his long film career of over 30 years, and was told to reveal the films which he considered landmarks in his journey so far. To this, the actor mentioned that he hasn't got a truly artistic filmography in his kitty, and added that he has always tried to the choose the best. Thereafter, making his pick between his charismatic plethora of works, Saif mentioned:
"I dont have a purely artistic filmography. I've worked to survive, to pay bills also. So it's a mix. I've chosen the best of what I've been offered and I've worked pretty much constantly for 30 years. Some films are special. And Sacred Game, I'm very proud of that."
What do you think about Saif’s recollection of getting replaced from Devdas? Let us know.
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