Shah Rukh Khan Used Honey to Attract Flies in 'Devdas' Death Scene, Reveals Vikramaditya Motwane

Shah Rukh Khan’s unwavering dedication to his craft is one of the many reasons he remains beloved by millions of fans. In a recent interview with The Lallantop, filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane shared a fascinating anecdote highlighting SRK’s commitment during the filming of the iconic 2002 film Devdas.

Recalling the shooting of a pivotal scene where Shah Rukh’s character, Devdas, is on his deathbed, Motwane revealed SRK’s ingenious approach to making the moment more authentic. To capture the grim reality of a dying man, Shah Rukh came up with a unique idea—applying honey to his face to attract flies.

Motwane explained, “This he has thought of, nobody else. Normally this is a director’s decision, but Shah Rukh has thought of this. In the middle of makeup, lying down, in position, the man’s mind is working non-stop constantly to think how he can make the moment better. That is the ethos of Shah Rukh Khan.”

Initially, the crew was puzzled by SRK’s request for honey, with some assuming he wanted it for consumption. However, once he applied it to his face, they realized he was using it to attract flies, adding a hauntingly realistic touch to his portrayal of a dying man.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Devdas is based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel of the same name. The film also starred Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, and Kirron Kher, and remains a landmark in Indian cinema for its grand visuals and powerful performances.

Motwane’s revelation offers yet another glimpse into Shah Rukh Khan’s relentless pursuit of perfection, cementing his status as one of Bollywood’s most dedicated actors.