Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas (2002) is a cinematic adaptation of the iconic 1917 Bengali novel of the same name by author Sharatchandra Chattopadhyaya. The film, a poignant tale of love, loss, and self-destruction, stars Shah Rukh Khan as Devdas Mukherjee, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Parvati “Paro,” and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century India, the film masterfully captures the essence of forbidden love and societal constraints.
A Love Forged in Childhood
Devdas Mukherjee, the son of the wealthy Zamindar Narayan Mukherjee, returns to his ancestral home in Taj Sonapur after a decade of studying law in London. His arrival is eagerly awaited by his mother, Kausalya Mukherjee, who informs her close friend and neighbour, Sumitra Chakraborty, about her son’s return. Sumitra’s daughter, Parvati, affectionately known as Paro, shared a deep bond with Devdas during their childhood. Years ago, when Devdas left for London, a young Paro, heartbroken at his departure, lit a diya (lamp) with the hope that it would guide him back to her. She diligently kept the lamp burning all these years, symbolizing her unwavering love and anticipation for his return.
In the original novel, Devdas studies in Calcutta, not London. Bhansali chose to change the setting of Devdas’s education in his film adaptation. This alteration subtly enhances the theme of cultural clash and Devdas’s internal conflict between tradition and modernity. Upon his return, Devdas, now a sophisticated young man with Western education and manners, finds himself drawn to the familiar comfort of his childhood friendship with Paro. Their shared past and deep-rooted affection create a strong foundation for their love, which rekindles with fervour upon their reunion.
However, their love faces a formidable obstacle: societal disapproval. Kausalya, influenced by societal norms and class consciousness, deems Paro unsuitable for her son due to Paro’s family’s lower social standing. Paro’s maternal lineage of nautch girls and nautanki performers further strengthens Kausalya’s prejudice, as she considers such a background incompatible with the prestige of their Zamindari family. This societal disapproval weighs heavily on Devdas, who struggles to reconcile his love for Paro with the expectations of his family and social class.
Seeds of Discord
Kausalya’s disapproval is further fuelled by Kumud, Devdas’s manipulative sister-in-law. Kumud, envious of Paro’s beauty and her influence on Devdas, constantly undermines their relationship and reinforces Kausalya’s prejudices. During Kumud’s baby shower, Sumitra, emboldened by her daughter’s love for Devdas and hoping to secure his hand in marriage for Paro, proposes a marriage alliance between the two families.
However, Kausalya, fuelled by her own prejudices and Kumud’s instigations, rejects the proposal with disdain, publicly humiliating Sumitra and Paro. This rejection not only shatters Paro’s hopes but also deeply wounds her pride and her family’s honour. Sumitra, determined to prove her worth and protect her daughter’s dignity, vows to find a more affluent and socially acceptable match for Paro.
Later, Paro, driven by her love for Devdas and a desperate need to express her feelings, secretly visits him at his mansion. Unfortunately, their clandestine meeting is discovered by Narayan Mukherjee, who, sharing his wife’s prejudices, insults Paro and her mother. This incident further exacerbates the conflict between the two families and reinforces the societal barriers that separate Devdas and Paro.
Enraged by his father’s actions and heartbroken by the humiliation inflicted upon Paro and her family, Devdas leaves his home. However, he lacks the courage to defy his parents and fight for his love. Torn between his love for Paro and the expectations of his family and society, Devdas succumbs to internal conflict and self-doubt. Instead of confronting his parents, he writes a letter to Paro, asking her to forget him and denying the existence of their love. This act of cowardice marks a turning point in their relationship and sets in motion the tragic events that follow.
A Fateful Decision
Devastated by Devdas’s rejection and her family’s humiliation, Paro agrees to marry Bhuvan Choudhry, a wealthy but much older widower with grown-up children. Paro’s decision to marry Bhuvan is not driven by love but by a sense of duty, societal pressure, and a desire to restore her family’s honour. She sacrifices her own happiness and enters a loveless marriage, hoping to find solace in fulfilling her societal obligations.
Meanwhile, Devdas, consumed by guilt and despair over his rejection of Paro, seeks solace in alcohol. His friend, Chunnilal, a jovial and indulgent companion, introduces him to the world of courtesans, where he meets Chandramukhi, a beautiful and compassionate woman who falls deeply in love with him.
Chandramukhi, unlike the other courtesans, sees beyond Devdas’s wealth and social status. She recognizes his inner turmoil and offers him companionship and understanding without judgment. Devdas, drawn to her warmth and empathy, finds temporary solace in her company, but his love for Paro continues to haunt him.
Realizing the gravity of his mistake in rejecting Paro, Devdas visits her on her wedding day and pleads with her to marry him. He confesses his love for her and begs for forgiveness. However, Paro, deeply wounded by his earlier rejection and betrayal, refuses his proposal. She reminds him of his cowardice and accuses him of abandoning her when she needed him the most. Paro’s refusal marks a final break in their relationship and pushes Devdas further down the path of self-destruction.
Two Worlds, One Heart
Paro marries Bhuvan and enters a loveless marriage, bound by duty and societal expectations. Bhuvan, still in love with his deceased wife, confesses to Paro that their marriage was merely a necessity to fulfil the role of the Lady of the Estate. Paro, trapped in a gilded cage, finds herself longing for the love and companionship she was denied.
Meanwhile, Devdas, unable to cope with the loss of Paro and the guilt of his actions, descends further into alcoholism and seeks refuge in Chandramukhi’s company. He becomes a regular visitor to her kotha (courtesan’s house), finding temporary escape from his pain in alcohol and Chandramukhi’s affection.
Despite her circumstances, Paro fulfils her duties as Bhuvan’s wife with sincerity and grace. She embraces her role as the Lady of the Estate, earning the respect and admiration of her household. However, she cannot forget Devdas and the love they once shared. The memory of their lost love continues to haunt her, casting a shadow over her seemingly perfect life.
Similarly, Devdas, despite finding solace in Chandramukhi’s affection, remains haunted by the memory of Paro. He constantly compares Paro and Chandramukhi, torn between the woman he could never have and the woman who offers him unconditional love. This internal conflict fuels his self-destructive behaviour and prevents him from finding true happiness.
Confrontation and Revelation
Narayan Mukherjee, on his deathbed, expresses remorse for his actions and seeks forgiveness from Paro. He realizes the error of his ways and acknowledges the injustice he inflicted upon Paro and her family. He also yearns to see his son, Devdas, who arrives at his father’s funeral and collapses, overwhelmed by grief and guilt.
Devdas returns to his family home, where Kumud, his sister-in-law, continues her manipulative schemes. She steals the keys to the family vault, hoping to frame Devdas and further solidify her position in the household. When Devdas confronts her, she accuses him of theft, leading to a confrontation with his mother. Kausalya, blinded by her prejudice and manipulated by Kumud, disowns Devdas, further isolating him from his family.
Paro, concerned about Devdas’s deteriorating health and his estrangement from his family, visits Chandramukhi. Initially, she blames Chandramukhi for Devdas’s alcoholism, believing that she is enabling his self-destruction. However, she soon realizes the depth of Chandramukhi’s love for Devdas and understands that she is not the cause of his suffering. Paro recognizes Chandramukhi’s compassion and selflessness, and a sense of understanding and empathy develops between the two women who love the same man.
In a gesture of compassion and friendship, Paro invites Chandramukhi to Durga Puja celebrations at her in-laws’ manor. She introduces Chandramukhi as her friend, concealing her true identity to avoid any social repercussions. This act of defiance demonstrates Paro’s growing independence and her willingness to challenge societal norms.
A Promise Kept, a Love Lost
During the Durga Puja celebrations, Chandramukhi’s true identity as a courtesan is revealed by Kalibabu, Bhuvan’s son-in-law. Kalibabu, a lecherous and opportunistic man, seeks revenge for a past encounter with Chandramukhi that had gone wrong. He exposes her and humiliates her publicly, hoping to cause chaos and disgrace Paro.
Chandramukhi, however, defends herself with dignity and courage. She confronts Kalibabu and exposes his hypocrisy, highlighting the double standards of a society that condemns courtesans while condoning the actions of men like him who frequent their kothas. Chandramukhi’s defiance challenges the societal norms and exposes the hypocrisy that underlies the rigid class system.
Kalibabu, fuelled by anger and a desire to create discord, informs Bhuvan and his mother about Paro’s past relationship with Devdas. This revelation further isolates Paro and restricts her freedom. Bhuvan, influenced by societal pressure and his own insecurities, confines Paro to the manor and forbids her from leaving.
Devdas’s health deteriorates rapidly due to his excessive drinking. He embarks on a train journey, where he encounters Chunnilal, who, unaware of Devdas’s condition, encourages him to drink more. Despite his failing health, Devdas remembers a promise he made to Paro – to visit her one last time before he dies. Driven by this promise and a desperate longing to see Paro, he travels to her in-laws’ village.
He arrives at Bhuvan’s manor, weak and on the verge of death. Paro, hearing of his arrival, rushes to meet him, defying her confinement. However, Bhuvan, alerted by Kalibabu, orders the manor’s gates to be closed, preventing Paro from reaching Devdas.
As the gates close, Devdas catches a fleeting glimpse of Paro running towards him. He whispers her name one last time and dies, his unfulfilled love and self-inflicted destruction culminating in a tragic end. Paro, heartbroken and devastated, collapses as the diya, the symbol of her enduring love, flickers and dies out.
Adaptations and Interpretations
Devdas (2002) is not the first cinematic adaptation of Sharatchandra Chattopadhyaya’s novel. The story has been adapted numerous times in various Indian languages, each version offering a unique interpretation of the classic tale. The first film adaptation was a silent film released in 1928, directed by Naresh Mitra. Subsequent notable adaptations include the 1935 Bengali film directed by Pramathesh Chandra Barua, which is considered a landmark film in Indian cinema, and the 1955 Hindi film directed by Bimal Roy, starring Dilip Kumar.
Bhansali’s Devdas distinguishes itself from previous adaptations through its opulent visuals, elaborate sets, and extravagant song-and-dance sequences. Bhansali’s vision brings a heightened sense of drama and grandeur to the story, emphasizing the emotional intensity and the tragic consequences of Devdas’s self-destruction.
Conclusion
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas is a cinematic masterpiece that captures the essence of Sharatchandra Chattopadhyaya’s timeless novel. The film, with its opulent visuals, soulful music, and powerful performances, delves into the complexities of love, societal constraints, and self-destruction. The tragic tale of Devdas and Paro serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and the devastating consequences of societal prejudice and personal weakness.
Bhansali’s adaptation, while staying true to the core narrative of the novel, offers a visually stunning and emotionally charged interpretation of the classic story. The film’s use of colour, sets, and costumes enhances the storytelling, creating a world that is both beautiful and tragic. The elaborate song-and-dance sequences, choreographed with precision and grace, add another layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
The film’s exploration of societal constraints and the destructive nature of societal prejudice remains relevant even today. Devdas and Paro’s love is thwarted by the rigid class system and the prejudices that permeate their society. Their tragic fate highlights the devastating consequences of societal norms that prioritize social standing over individual happiness.
Devdas (2002) has had a significant impact on Indian cinema, influencing subsequent films and inspiring filmmakers to explore similar themes of love, loss, and societal constraints. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless story, its powerful performances, and its visually captivating presentation.
| Aspect | Novel | 2002 Film |
| Devdas’s Education | Calcutta | London |
| Portrayal of Chandramukhi | Courtesan who falls in love with Devdas | More sympathetic and compassionate portrayal |
| Ending | Devdas dies on his way to Paro’s house | Devdas dies at Paro’s doorstep |
Literary Latitude 