Today marks a special day in the history of Indian cinema as Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Devdas completes 21 years since its release. The auteur-filmmaker’s adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee’s epic novel of the same name not captured hearts and continues to mesmerise audiences, but it also showcased the extraordinary talent of acclaimed actor Jackie Shroff. To commemorate this important milestone, Jackie took to Instagram to share a heartfelt reel with movie clips of the bond between his character, Chunnilal, and Devdas played by Shahrukh Khan.
Coming about 47 years after Bimal Roy’s 1955 black and white cult classic starring Dilip Kumar as the doomed lover, Bhansali’s opulent musical romance drama has also attained iconic status over the years. The emotional depth of the narrative, coupled with stellar performances has contributed to its enduring appeal over the years. Jackie Shroff’s portrayal of Chunni Babu – as Shah Rukh’s Devdas calls him – a charismatic and influential character, left an indelible mark on the minds of the audience. His performance brilliantly captured the essence of a loyal friend who stands by his buddy Dev Babu through thick and thin. The on-screen chemistry between Jackie and Shah Rukh added depth to their characters, making the bond between Chunnilal and Devdas an integral part of the film’s narrative. His contribution to the film further solidified his position as a highly acclaimed and notable actor in the industry.
As the epic romance drama completed 21 years today, everybody’s favourite Jaggu Dada took to the gram, sharing a delightful sequence from the peppy number, Chalak Chalak, saying, “Chunnilal – a character that will always remain close to my heart.”
As we celebrate the remarkable journey of Devdas, the audience Jackie is gearing up for his upcoming release, Jailer. The Nelson Dilipkumar directorial venture sees him reunite with superstar Rajnikanth about 36 years since Uttar Dakshin. The two actors played step-brothers in the 1987 Hindi film. Their combined talent and unparalleled charisma makes Jailer a promising film for cinegoers later this year.
