You might think you know everything about Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s iconic film “Devdas,” but there’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes tale that many don’t know about. Picture this: the early 2000s, a period of cinematic brilliance, and a star-studded cast featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles.
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Now, imagine if the brilliant Manoj Bajpayee had been a part of this masterpiece. That’s right – Manoj was actually offered a pivotal role in “Devdas”! Can you imagine him as Chunnilal, the friend who tries to save Devdas from his own downfall?
Manoj wasn’t the only one in the running for this role. Saif Ali Khan and Govinda were also considered, but both of them rejected the role. Ultimately, it was Jackie Shroff who took on the character. So, why did Manoj pass on such a golden opportunity?
Well, according to News 18 reports, Manoj said no to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the role because he didn’t want to play a supporting character. He was used to playing lead roles and felt that taking on a supporting role might affect his marketability as an actor. Despite his love for the story of “Devdas,” Manoj stood firm on his decision.
In an interview, Manoj expressed his desire to play the titular character of Devdas himself, stating that it was a role he had always dreamed of. Manoj in an interview with ETimes, once said, “I’ve always wanted to play Devdas. There have been a few adaptations, but no one thought of casting me. I would love to play that character.”
Also Read: Forget Shah Rukh Khan, Manoj Bajpayee Is The Real King Of Bollywood; These 11 Movies Are Proof
While we can only imagine what could have been, one thing’s for sure – Manoj Bajpayee’s talent and dedication to his craft are undeniable. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll see him bring the character of Devdas to life in a way that only he can.