Why Anurag Kashyap Was Slapped for Dev D: Girls Refused Auditions for This Bold Film
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, the mastermind behind Dev D, recently shared insights on his journey of creating the film. Known for his unique storytelling style, Anurag Kashyap reflected on how Dev D became his first major hit and how he subverted the classic love story Devdas in his own unconventional way.
Dev D, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a modern retelling of the popular novel Devdas. Instead of following the traditional narrative, Kashyap gave the story a fresh, bold twist. Dev D focuses on redefining the characters of Dev, Paro, and Chandramukhi, making the female protagonists stronger and more independent. Anurag Kashyap used his frustrations from previous stalled projects to create this groundbreaking film, and Dev D soon developed a cult following for its bold themes and iconic soundtrack.
Speaking at the Marrakech International Film Festival in 2024, Anurag Kashyap revisited the making of Dev D, which was released in 2009. During the conversation, Kashyap opened up about how Dev D transformed his career and reflected on the challenges he faced during its production.
Anurag Kashyap's Vision for Dev D
Anurag Kashyap explained that his decision to direct Dev D stemmed from his frustrations with the Bollywood industry. After facing bans and setbacks with his earlier films, Anurag Kashyap decided to make a movie that would resonate with audiences but on his own terms. The idea of subverting Devdas appealed to Kashyap because, in his view, the original novel didn’t do justice to its female characters. With Dev D, Anurag Kashyap wanted to highlight contemporary issues and give the women in the story more agency.
Dev D was Anurag Kashyap's bold attempt to modernize the classic love story Devdas. He introduced a raw and gritty portrayal of relationships, where Paro and Chandramukhi were no longer passive characters. Instead, Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D placed the focus on strong, independent women who navigated the complexities of life on their own terms. The film’s 19-song soundtrack, which Anurag Kashyap proudly called "the biggest album ever," became a hit among young audiences and further contributed to Dev D’s success.
Challenges in Casting Dev D
Anurag Kashyap faced multiple challenges while casting for Dev D. Many actresses turned down the roles of Paro and Chandramukhi, as they found the script too bold. Anurag Kashyap even recounted a shocking incident where an actress’s boyfriend slapped him for sending the script to her. Despite these challenges, Dev D was eventually greenlit, thanks to the support of the producer’s wife, who believed in Anurag Kashyap’s vision.
Subverting Bollywood’s Expectations
Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D was a departure from the typical Bollywood love story. He turned Devdas on its head by giving more power to the female characters. While some critics felt that Anurag Kashyap’s approach was too radical, younger audiences appreciated the subversion of traditional Bollywood narratives.
Anurag Kashyap also changed the infamous ending of Devdas, refusing to let the audience sympathize with Dev by making him a flawed, yet relatable, character. Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D became a turning point in Bollywood, thanks to its unique storytelling and bold themes. Anurag Kashyap’s decision to challenge the norms of Bollywood with Dev D resulted in a film that continues to influence filmmakers today. Despite the difficulties, Dev D proved to be a defining moment for Anurag Kashyap and Indian cinema.