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

When Salman Khan Directed Shah Rukh Khan in "Devdas"

For over three decades, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have been titans of Bollywood, each boasting iconic blockbusters. Recently, they were seen at the premiere of Aamir Khan’s new film, Sitaare Zameen Par. Beyond their celebrated camaraderie and occasional rivalries, a lesser-known anecdote from the early 2000s reveals a unique moment shared on the set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic film, Devdas.

Devdas, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, was among Bollywood's most ambitious projects at the time. However, behind the scenes, the personal dynamics were intense. Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were in a relationship after their collaboration in Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. By the time Devdas commenced production, their relationship was reportedly on the brink of collapse. Despite this tension, Salman Khan frequently visited the set.

Film critic and journalist Anupama Chopra recounted an intriguing incident in her book on Shah Rukh Khan. The scene being filmed involved Shah Rukh Khan as Devdas removing a thorn from Paro’s (Aishwarya Rai) foot – a tender, romantic exchange. While Shah Rukh, Bhansali, and Aishwarya worked on the scene, Salman, who was present, offered to demonstrate the scene.

With the cameras rolling, Salman Khan acted out the moment with Aishwarya, capturing the tenderness and emotion that Bhansali sought. This brief instance saw one superstar subtly directing another in front of the camera.

This impromptu demonstration also marked the final time Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai shared a film set. Their personal relationship deteriorated shortly afterward, and they never worked together on screen again.