The transition of Devdas from a man who did not fully understand love, to a man who understood nothing but love, marked a fateful journey. A journey, during which the restless, unexpressive lover in Devdas commanded love and yet did not demand it. Indeed when Destiny gave him pain, he made pain his destiny. He remained pure and chaste in a worldly world till his end. It was an end for which the heavens did not cry…For they were regaled by a unique soul who only understood the language of love.

It is not everyday that actors such as Shahrukh Khan are born. Hindi Cinema welcomed the storm created by his talent and energy as he revolutionalized the scope and form of the hero with his unique and diverse portrayals. His is a path laden by virtual acclaim and hysteric popularity. The array of Awards that adorn his table of achievements, stand as testimony to the effect of his unquestionable histrionics. In Devdas, the energy and fervour is effectively internalized and suppressed emotions speaker louder than words. As the passionate actor gets into the skin of a passionate character in Devdas , it seems as it was always meant to be.

AISHWARYA RAI as PARO
From the innocence of childhood to the indiscretion of youth, she loved only one man - Devdas . Such was her intensity, that she gave before she could get. Such was the conviction that she cared not for the world. But the heart that unflinchingly loved, also understood the call of duty. Once wedded to another man, she played her role as a wife with devotion. But the wife had to constantly fight a silent, losing battle with the little girl and the demure woman who had always loved her Devdas.

With her hypnotic eyes, enviable grace and intelligent mind all that lacked was a crown for her pretty head. And before long Aishwarya Rai earned the title of 'Miss World' and secured a name in the International Hall of Fame. Unveiled at that time, was her supreme prowess as an actress. She reached one of her pinnacles of acting with a brilliantly played, multi-award wining role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in which subtleties and complex emotions were depicted with elan. The director-actress duo come together again with Devdas in which the beautiful Aishwarya Rai does not merely play Paro, but is Paro.

MADHURI DIXIT as CHANDRAMUKHI.
A peerlessly beautiful courtesan, Chandramukhi ironically made the world dance at her feet. She revelled in the gravitation of admirers and wealth galore. Indeed, she had everything until she met Devdas …and then she got peace … She gave it all up for the love of a man who could never be her's and yet feels enriched with the legacy of loving him.

Here is an actress who was born to be one! Hindi Cinema became richer as it got bedecked by the intense performances, stunning looks and plethoric expressions of Madhuri Dixit. Saluting her talent, author-backed roles were written especially for her. For her winning awards has graduated from being a happening to a habit. Her expertise in classical dance holds her in good stead as she gets all set to dazzle as Chandramukhi. Giving her role the same devotion that Chandramukhi gave Devdas.

JACKIE SHROFF as CHUNNILAL
Flamboyant and carefree, Chunnilal was to Devdas, the light on a lonely path. It was towards the friendship of Chunnilal that Devdas found himself going, when all doors seemed closed. A merry-making king of his very own world, he had his unique ways of getting respite. Chunnilal was indeed the friend for all times.

One swooned over his good looks, only to wake up to the effect of his latent acting abilities! Jackie Shroff's mere presence in a film lends a feeling of rock solid stability. The pivotal role of Chunnilal demanded the animal ease associated with Jackie Shroff and he plays Chunnilal to the hilt.

SUPPORTING CAST

KIRON KHER as SUMITRA

She is the mother of Paro and carries the pride of having a daughter as beautiful as her. And that makes her propose the marriage of Paro to Devdas, who is of a higher status. Their rejection makes her the bearer of wounded scorn. A scorn that leads her into getting Paro married to a man of a much higher status than Devdas. Kiron Kher's dignified presence has added to her talent, with the result that she has carved a distinct niche as an actress.

SMITA JAYAKAR as KAUSHALYA

She is the mother of Devdas. She is sure that she knows what is good for her son and will do all in her capacity to ensure that he walks on the path that she feels is right. Yet like any other mother, she holds in her heart, the capacity to feel his pain. Smita Jayakar's smiling face is also a prolific one. When she entered Hindi Films, she went on to become identified with that customary spark that she adds to her roles.

VIJAYENDRA GHATGE as Zamindar Bhuvan

He is Zamindar Bhuvan. A man, as rich in humanity as in wealth. A widower, he marries Paro. Yet, being years older to her and having fathered children Paro's age, he sensitively maintains a chaste and empathetic relationship with her. One of the most handsome faces of Hindi Cinema, Vijayandra Ghatge indulges in the pleasure of playing the tailor-made role of Zamindar Bhuvan.