Jackie Shroff has recalled how he came to play Chunnilal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’, revealing that several actors had reportedly turned down the part because Shah Rukh Khan’s titular character dominated the film. In a recent interview, the veteran actor said he had no hesitation in accepting the role and was confident that even a supporting character could leave an impact on screen.
Jackie Shroff recalls how he got the Chunnilal role
Speaking to Republic Bharat, Jackie Shroff was responding to a woman in the audience who told him that she had watched Devdas five times. The actor then reflected on how the role of Chunnilal came his way. According to Jackie, actors who had been approached for the part were reluctant to accept it because the film was centred on Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Devdas.’Shroff recalled, “Nobody was taking that role because Shah Rukh Khan Saab was essaying Devdas’ character. 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.’”
Jackie Shroff explains why he readily accepted Chunnilal
Jackie said he saw enough potential in Chunnilal to make the part worthwhile. The character is closely associated with Madhuri Dixit’s Chandramukhi and occupies an important space within her world.He recalled, “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. They (filmmaker) said ‘There is one song for you and these are the dialogues.’”After reading his lines, Jackie said he was not concerned about the amount of screen time he would receive. “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,” he added.
Jackie Shroff tells fan, ‘I was visible, right?’
Jackie later turned to the woman who had praised the film and jokingly asked whether she had noticed him in it.“You also saw it. I was visible, right?” he asked. The actor then reiterated his attitude towards taking on roles that other actors may not want.“When nobody accepts the role, they come to me, and I don’t mind,” Jackie said.
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 period romantic drama was released in theatres on July 12, 2002, and went on to become one of the most widely remembered films of Bhansali’s career. Jackie’s Chunnilal is a friend and confidant of Devdas who is closely connected to Chandramukhi. Despite being a supporting character, the role remains memorable for its distinctive personality and Jackie’s performance.
