The day Salman Khan demonstrated a scene to Shah Rukh Khan for Devdas

When Salman Khan Subtly Directed Shah Rukh Khan in 'Devdas'

For over three decades, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have stood as titans of Bollywood, each delivering iconic blockbusters. Recently spotted at the premiere of Aamir Khan’s film, Sitaare Zameen Par, their camaraderie has long been celebrated. However, a lesser-known anecdote from the early 2000s reveals a unique moment shared on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, Devdas.

Devdas was an ambitious project, boasting a stellar cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit. Behind the scenes, personal dynamics were intense. Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were in a relationship after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, but by the time Devdas began production, their relationship was strained. Despite this, Salman frequently visited the set.

Film critic and journalist Anupama Chopra recounted an intriguing incident in her book on Shah Rukh Khan. The scene involved Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) removing a thorn from Paro’s (Aishwarya Rai) foot. While Shah Rukh, Bhansali, and Aishwarya worked on the scene, Salman Khan volunteered to demonstrate the proper execution.

As the camera rolled, Salman Khan enacted the moment with Aishwarya, capturing the tenderness Bhansali sought. This brief instance saw one superstar subtly directing another before the camera.

Interestingly, this impromptu demonstration marked the final time Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai shared a film set. Their personal relationship deteriorated soon after, and they never worked together again.