CHANDRAMUKHI - DEVDAS - #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2022
Where the name of Devdas is mentioned, two other names jostle
for attention as well – those of Parvati (Paro) and Chandramukhi. In 1917, it
was the renowned Bengali writer, Sarath Chandra Chattopadhyay, who brought alive three
iconic characters in a tragic love story that wrung hearts and made the name of
Devdas synonymous with the maudlin romantic lover doused in alcohol.
The England-returned Devdas comes home to Kolkata only to
fall in love with his childhood friend, Paro, who has grown into a beauty. However,
since she is from a lower caste, his snobbish father refuses to accept her into
his family. She is promptly married off to a wealthy widower with grown
children.
Devdas begins to drown himself in alcohol, and one day,
he and his friend, Chunni Lal, make their way to the beauteous Chandramukhi’s kothi.
Chandramukhi, 'the one whose face is as beautiful as the moon', is the richest courtesan in Kolkata with men swooning over her.
However, when she meets Devdas, she falls in love with him at first sight. Soon
realising that he is off limits as his heart is still with Paro, Chandramukhi reconciles
to the fact that he can never love her.
Devdas spurns Chandramukhi at first, disgusted by the way
she lives her life. Torn by her devotion towards the young man, she gives up her
profession, and waits for him patiently to come back to her. Devdas continues
on a path of drinking and self-destruction as Chandramukhi takes care of him
when she can. The concept of the selfless courtesan with a heart of gold came
from this book, which was the forerunner of many other similar characters in
future as well.
Numerous film, theatre and TV adaptations in different
languages saw the same theme being played out even as the nuances changed, here
and there. The earliest movie came out in 1928, a silent movie titled Devdas. In
1955, Bimal Roy directed Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Vyjayanthimala in the
three roles.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas had the glamorous trio of
Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit in a movie that was opulent to
the hilt with ornate sets, exquisite costumes and melodramatic dialogues.
What is strange is the fact that Devdas has been created and recreated by every generation, even as the hero is a morbid, narcissistic and love-lorn character, the very anti-thesis of toxic masculinity. He is no power-packed angry young man; he is a figure of pity and ridicule, a man who pines away for love. It is the two women in his life who are strong, and yet, both fall in love with him. Even as Devdas dies at the gate of Paro’s house, his thoughts linger with Chandramukhi. "One more face, pure and innocent, floated into his consciousness - it was Chandramukhi's. He had spurned her all his life - she had led a life of sin, he had thought. Today, when her face took pride of place beside his mother's, his tears flowed like never before. He'd never see her again... but still, he must visit Paro. He had promised to see her one last time." Sarath Chandra Chattopadhyay
Very well summarised. I have never really understood the obsession with Devdas. I find him the most pathetic of all literally heroes yet he manages to capture the attention of many. Another one called Dev D by Anurag Kashyap i found rather disgusting. Maybe its the ultimate man fantasy to be loved by beautiful powerful wimen despite being a total failure
ReplyDeleteDeepika Sharma
Thank you, Deepika! I have never liked Devdas the character ever. I also find him weak, unimpressive and pathetic. However, what is strange that sometimes the strongest of women fall in love with the most unsuitable men.
DeleteInteresting point you bring out about how Devdas is such a popular character despite his being the "the very anti-thesis of toxic masculinity". I have not read the book, nor have I watched the old Devdas but I loved the one by SLB and always list it among the top movies of SRK. Of course, Madhuri was superb as well. Somehow I've never liked Aishwarya 🙄
ReplyDeleteManali, the latest Devdas by SLB was quite a blockbuster. I agree that Madhuri was outstanding. SRK did justice to his role. There were many additions in the movie which were not there in the book.
DeleteThanks a lot for bringing out the historical background of the iconic character of romance, Devadas, I have seen his version personified by SK.Howver, the relevance of such romantic characters are loosing edge in the present day movie world for good.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Prasanna! The historical background always comes out better in books, I feel, because movies turn into extravaganzas.
DeleteYes, this is a story that some how always connects with the masses, even if it is a failed love story. Very well written , Ma'am!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chinmayee! Isn't it strange how many women fall for the wrong kind of man?
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