Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “What is the story of Devdas? That he’s a loser, he doesn’t do anything, he gets upset… My actors didn’t understand why we’re telling this story. They said, ‘Oh, it’s romanticising alcoholism’.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently addressed Shah Rukh Khan's comments regarding his portrayal of the character Devdas in the film. In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali defended his vision of Devdas,

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is breaking his silence over Shah Rukh Khan’s harsh remarks on the iconic Devdas!In a recent interview at the Locarno Film Festival, King Khan publicly criticized his character in the 2002 period romantic drama film,

Sanjay Leela Bhansali in an interview discussed the film and the titular character, Devdas, in detail. Over the years, several people considered it a toxic character, and the filmmaker agreed that many cast members held the same opinion. However, he has a different perspective on it.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2002 film Devdas remains one of the most loved and popular films in Bollywood. The grand sets, popular star cast, and impressive storytelling of the film created high standards in Hindi cinema.

Shah Rukh Khan had previously said that he doesn't like playing characters who 'demean women'. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has now defended Devdas against criticism of being toxic.

Shah Rukh Khan has often talked about his views on playing Devdas, the self-destructive romantic in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film.

Complex characters in Bollywood have been a reason for debate among filmmakers and actors, and one such character is Devdas. Sanjay Leela Bhansali made the film Devdas based on the 1917 novel of the same name.