AI imagines these Hollywood stars as ‘Devdas’ cast
Let’s take a journey through the lens of AI casting as an artist reimagines the iconic roles of Devdas Mukherjee, Paro, and Chandramukhi from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas, with Hollywood luminaries Ryan Gosling, Kate Winslet, and Natalie Portman respectively.
Devdas, a classic tale of love, loss, and redemption, has captivated audiences for generations with its poignant narrative and timeless characters. While the story has been adapted numerous times on the silver screen, envisioning a new rendition with a fresh cast can breathe new life into this beloved saga.
With advancements in artificial intelligence, the concept of AI-generated casting is becoming increasingly intriguing. Imagine a scenario where AI algorithms analyse the essence of characters and suggest actors who may bring them to life in a compelling manner. Let's take a journey through the lens of AI casting as an artist reimagines the iconic roles of Devdas Mukherjee, Paro, and Chandramukhi from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas, with Hollywood luminaries Ryan Gosling, Kate Winslet, and Natalie Portman respectively.
Devdas Mukherjee: Ryan Gosling
In the role of Devdas, which was originally played by Shah Rukh Khan, AI envisions Ryan Gosling, renowned for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance. Gosling's mesmerizing performances in films like Drive, La La Land, and Blade Runner 2049 showcase his range as an actor, making him an ideal candidate to embody the tormented soul of Devdas. Devdas, a character consumed by love and despair, requires an actor who can convey a sense of internal turmoil while maintaining an air of aristocratic charm. Gosling's brooding intensity and magnetic screen presence make him a compelling choice for this iconic role.
Parvati "Paro" Chaudhary: Kate Winslet
Opposite Gosling's Devdas, AI envisions Kate Winslet as Paro, the childhood sweetheart whose love for Devdas remains unwavering despite the passage of time and the complexities of their circumstances. Winslet's illustrious career, marked by unforgettable performances in films like Titanic, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and The Reader, has established her as one of the finest actors of her generation. Paro, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the film, is a character defined by her strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion to Devdas. Winslet's ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability on screen makes her an ideal choice to breathe life into Paro's character.
Completing the trio, AI envisions Natalie Portman as Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit) the enigmatic courtesan whose compassion and unconditional love offer solace to Devdas in his darkest hours. Portman's versatility as an actor, showcased in films like Black Swan, Jackie, and V for Vendetta, makes her a compelling choice for the role of Chandramukhi. Chandramukhi is a character shrouded in mystery, her past veiled in secrecy yet her heart overflowing with empathy and kindness. Portman's ability to inhabit complex characters with grace and depth aligns perfectly with Chandramukhi's multifaceted persona.
Chunnilal: Mark Ruffalo
In the role of Chunnilal, played by Jackie Shroff, the affable and street-smart companion who provides comic relief amidst the tragedy, AI imagines Mark Ruffalo, a versatile actor known for his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters. With memorable performances in films such as Spotlight and The Avengers, Ruffalo can bring warmth and charm to Chunnilal, infusing the character with a sense of levity and humanity.
Sumitra Chakraborty: Jennifer Coolidge
Rounding out the ensemble cast, AI imagines Jennifer Coolidge in the role of Sumitra Chakraborty (Kirron Kher), Paro's doting mother. Known for her comedic talents in films such as Legally Blonde and American Pie, Coolidge can bring a unique blend of wit and warmth to Sumitra, infusing the character with a maternal instinct tempered by worldly wisdom.
Raj almost wasn’t Indian, Tom Cruise was the idea.
The title? Kirron Kher just threw it out there.
Pigeon scene: Totally SRK winging it. Kajol freaked a little.
Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna got added last minute. Can you imagine?
Maratha Mandir. Playing. Every day. Since 1995. Fans love it.
You might think you’ve seen it all in DDLJ. Raj, Simran, the songs, yes, we all know them. But there’s a lot behind the camera that most people have no clue about. Some of it was luck. Some of it Shah Rukh Khan just winging it. And some… well, Aditya Chopra being a little crazy. Here’s the stuff nobody really tells you.
How Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge became a Bollywood legend: 10 untold stories Youtube Screengrab
1. Raj almost had a totally different face
Aditya Chopra literally imagined an American guy and an Indian girl and had Tom Cruise in mind. But then his dad, Yash Chopra, stepped in and said, “Nope, Indian boy.” And then the story completely changed. Suddenly, it wasn’t Hollywood, but NRIs, family, love, and all the cultural stuff that actually hits you in the gut.
2. Kirron Kher named the film
That long, unforgettable title? Shah Rukh Khan thought it was clunky. But the rookie director, Aditya, heard it from Kirron Kher and went with his gut. And yes, she got a credit in the opening titles.
3. Script written in a month
Three years of thinking, then all of a sudden, the final script was done in three or four weeks. Can you imagine? The blueprint for the biggest romantic film of the ’90s, completed in less than a month.
4. Accidental magic
That pigeon-feeding scene with Amrish Puri? Totally improvised by Shah Rukh. Even Kajol’s shocked face in Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane was not planned. Aditya kept it a secret to get a real reaction. And it worked big time. Fans don’t even know half the story behind that moment.
5. Director hiding in a car
During the Zurich car ride, Aditya wasn’t just lurking behind the camera. No. He was lying flat in the back of the red convertible, flat out of frame, watching every move. Can you imagine lying like that for hours? Wild.
6. Raj’s leather jacket wasn’t a costume
Raj’s iconic leather jacket? The one every guy copied? Uday Chopra just bought it from a Harley shop in California and cost 400 bucks. Not a big fancy wardrobe magic, it was just a cool jacket he found.
7. Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhnaalmost didn’t happen
That wedding song everyone hums? Almost didn’t exist. It got added at the very last second, borrowed from another Yash Raj project. Imagine weddings without it!
8. Kajol’s towel moment
Kajol wasn’t a fan of that towel scene. She seriously didn’t want to shoot it, but the director insisted. And that white skirt in the song? The director said it looked frumpy. Manish Malhotra, the designer, had to take scissors and cut it shorter on the spot.
9. Shah Rukh’s prophecy
After reading the script, Shah Rukh told Yash Chopra: “This will define my stardom.” And he nailed it. Spot on.
10. The first “making of” documentary
Before YouTube, before making-of reels, they aired a half-hour documentary on Doordarshan.
Chaudhary Baldev Singh Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Shah Rukh Khan Kajol www.easterneye.biz
24*7- for 365 days
And then there's Maratha Mandir. This old theater in Mumbai. It's still showing the film. Every. Single. Day. For 30 years. Tickets are 50 rupees. Fans go to watch it like a ritual, some book the gallery for birthdays or anniversaries. People even fly in from abroad. Iconic, right?
30 years later, Raj and Simran are on stage in Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical in Manchester. 18 original English songs. Same story. Same magic. New audience. And people are loving it.
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