Legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy wanted to make his version of Devdas in 1935 when he worked as the cameraman for PC Barua‘s Devdas with KL Saigal in the lead. Since then he was certain that he’ll make his with no one else but Dilip Kumar and in 1995, he made sure that it happened.
Here’s why Bimalda’s Devdas is truly a classic:
1. Appreciation and accolades…
The movie has 1 national award and 3 popular awards to its credit. It was also India’s official entry for the Crystle Globe awards
2. Cutting-edge Cinematography…
If you read up vintage reviews of the film, you will notice that the cinematography by Kamal Bose is a huge talking point. The man used natural light in the most beautiful ways and the movies continues to be a reference point even today.
3. Dilip Kumar…
This is self explanatory. Sarat Chandra‘s Devdas was given a solid image by Dilip Kumar which remains unprecedented still. A path-breaking role for the man and a memory etched in cinegoers’ minds forever.
4. #WomanPower
Devdas as a character is flawed and often internalizes all his feelings. The fiery ones in the story are the women – Paro and Chandrmukhi. And these were brought to life by Suchitra Sen and Vyjayanthimala. Interestingly, everyone wanted to play Paro, but Chandramukhi had no takers. Can you imagine?
Women power all the way in Devdas!
5. Legendary stories…
Who doesn’t love vintage gossip? Like how Vyjayanthimala won the Filmfare for Best Supporting Actress but refused to take it because she believed she was the parallel lead. Or like how Dilip Kumar in his autobiography The Substance and The Shadow confesses that he was hesitant to play Devdas because he though it “mislead the more vulnerable youth to believe that alcoholism offered the best escape from the pain of losing in love.” Wow, amirite?
Don’t forget to tune in to Dettol Presents ‘The Bimal Roy Festival presented by Boman Irani’ co-powered by State Bank of India and Good Knight Advanced Active+, on Zee Classic. It’s airing Devdas this Saturday, 13th Feb at 8pm and I am really excited about it!
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This post is in partnership with Zee Classic India