The iconic 2002 film Devdas, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, continues to captivate audiences two decades later. Its timeless romance, heartbreak, and lavish visuals have cemented its status as a Bollywood masterpiece. But behind the glamour of one of its most memorable songs, ‘Maar Dala,’ lay grueling challenges that tested the stars’ endurance.
Madhuri Dixit, who portrayed the enigmatic courtesan Chandramukhi, recently shared harrowing details on The Great Indian Kapil Show. The song’s shooting was her toughest experience in the film, primarily due to the excruciatingly heavy costumes designed by Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla. Weighing nearly 10 kilograms, the Anarkali suit featured intricate mirror work and heavy gota embellishments on the dupatta, taking two months to craft.
In a pivotal scene, Madhuri had to elegantly whip the dupatta’s end across Shah Rukh Khan’s face. Adorned with large, heavy beads, the fabric struck with unexpected force on the first take. ‘I got scared,’ she recalled, but SRK urged her to hit harder to nail the shot in one go, sparing multiple painful retakes. The beads repeatedly bruised his forehead, yet he powered through with professionalism.
Jackie Shroff, also present, highlighted the physical toll of Madhuri’s constant twirls. Her momentum caused the dress to lag, nearly toppling her balance repeatedly. Despite the agony, their commitment delivered a sequence that mesmerized viewers, blending sensuality and emotion seamlessly.
Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, redefined opulence in Indian cinema. Madhuri’s transformation into Chandramukhi not only stole scenes but showcased her versatility. These revelations peel back the curtain on the sacrifices that birthed cinematic magic, reminding fans of the raw dedication behind every frame.