The behind the scenes shenanigans can be very illuminating. Back in the day we read about Aish's nervous convos with SLB before signing the contract - she really wanted to make sure she's the only female lead in the story, and who could blame her? However, the majority of reviewers praised Madhuri the most and it's her dance numbers from that movie that are recognized as the best.
What's the source for this? I'd love to read that too! Because during the same time Ash signed another film with Tabu called Kandukondain Kandukondain where she was the second lead - a role no major actress was willing to step into, but Ash did it - and the director is on record saying this. Would love to see the source for this Devdas rumour.
As for the bold, here are a few reviews:
Taran Adarsh in his review of Devdas - "Madhuri Dixit looks bewitching but lacks the fire to carry off such a role. She goes through her role mechanically. It is Aishwarya Rai who steals the show with a performance that takes you by surprise. She dominates the film with a performance that is sure to win her accolades."
Guardian - Gave SRK a negative review, praised Ash, and didn't even acknowledge Madhuri's performance "But audiences not pre-sold on Khan's star status won't be impressed by his performance and, at 34, he looks too old for the role. However Rai, a former Miss World, develops nicely from gorgeous doe-eyed ingenue to a figure of real stature and authority."
SK Jha - "In what's possibly the best written and choreographed courtesan's role since Meena Kumari's in Pakeezah, Madhuri gleams with a graceful aura. But it's Aishwarya Rai who attains legendary proportions in this film. Whether it's the tragic or romantic moments or spellbinding dances, Aishwarya brings in the supple sprightliness of a deer gambolling in the deep forests. Her eyes are crystal-blue pools that change colours according to her character's moods."
Planet Bollywood - "Aishwarya Rai gives her best performance to date. She uses her emotive eyes to the best of her ability. The scene where she meets Milind Gunaji is impressive as is the sequence where she first meets Chandramukhi. Not only does she emote well, but also she carries herself with a lot of grace. And her dances are the highlight of the film. However if there is one scene, which is completely hers, it´s the climax, where she runs through the haveli to catch one last glimpse of Devdas. Interestingly enough, a viewer will certainly feel that she has more screen time than both of the actors, but it is her awesome screen presence, which allows this. The actress has been given a great deal of footage and takes full advantage of it. Wherever the rumors begun of her disappointment by Madhuri’s “supposed” overpowering, they can surely end now. Madhuri Dixit also impresses as the fiery Chandramukhi. She leaves a mark in the scene following Dola Re, and the scene where Devdas finally admits his love for her. Of the three she has the smallest role, but she takes full advantage of every scene she is given. Had her role been a little longer she would have left much more of an impact."
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