In a heartfelt revelation, Milind Gunaji, renowned for his role as Kalibabu in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s iconic film Devdas, reminisced about a poignant moment shared with his co-star, the ever-gracious Shah Rukh Khan. The actor, who portrayed a pivotal role in the timeless classic, disclosed an incident that unfolded during the film’s shooting, shedding light on the compassionate nature of Shah Rukh Khan.
Recalling a challenging period in his personal life, Milind Gunaji shared that he had lost his father just before the commencement of the Devdas shoot. Struggling to cope with the emotional turmoil, he found solace in Shah Rukh Khan’s empathetic gesture.
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Speaking in Hindi, Milind expressed, “It was a difficult time for me to overcome. I remember Shah Rukh Khan; he is such a gentleman and a nice person. He used to come and sit with me during the shoot… he told me that he was feeling sorry about this situation and said that if something needs to stop, they will stop. He said that there won’t be any problem, and they can stop the shoot. Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) sir also told me the same thing.”
Grateful for the genuine concern shown by both Shah Rukh and the film’s director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Milind decided not to halt the shoot for personal reasons. The camaraderie and support extended by the cast and crew during this challenging time left a lasting impression on Milind.
In the same interview, Milind Gunaji also delved into the shooting experience of the iconic song ‘Dola re Dola,’ featuring Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He shared insights into the challenges faced during a particularly demanding long shot, involving intricate movements with a handheld camera. Despite technical glitches, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s unwavering commitment to perfection ensured the capture of the best shots, including Milind’s close-ups in the song, which were executed swiftly.
This candid revelation not only showcases the professionalism and dedication of the Devdas team but also highlights the compassion and camaraderie that existed behind the scenes, making the film’s journey even more memorable for those involved.