Now, Bhansali’s Devdas has a happy ending

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">It’s celebration time for Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The nail-biting suspense is finally over. <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Devdas</span> has been chosen as India’s entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars and the director is on a new high.<br />‘‘Shah Rukh called me up to convey the good news. While all of us were expecting this, we were not overconfident. Everybody associated with <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Devdas</span> is happy.’’ Elation runs through Bhansali’s voice. And his sentiments are shared by Shah Rukh ‘‘who is in high spirits despite not being too well’’ and Aishwarya Rai, who called up Bhansali from LA. ‘‘Bharat bhai and I had a long chat together. Containing our happiness is difficult.’’ <br />While Bhansali is undoubtedly upbeat, there is also a subtle hint of <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Devdas</span> being recognised for a job well done. ‘‘<span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Devdas</span> did well at the Cannes Film Festival and has been talked about. The best actors and technicians in the business are associated with the film. Backed by elaborate costumes and ostentation, Devdas is the ideal way to showcase India in all its glory,’’ offers Bhansali.<br />A delicate balance between tragedy and the opulence of India’s classical past is what Bhansali believes will be <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Devdas</span>’ selling point at the Oscars. ‘‘I have immense confidence in my product, but there is lot that remains to be done. I will consult Aamir Khan and ask him how to go about things,’’ says Bhansali. The first step has been taken and the run-up to the Oscars has begun: ‘‘We will release the film with French and English sub-titles in the international market.� <br />Personally, for Bhansali, there is more than one reason to smile. ‘‘Despite the criticism of Devdas by certain critics, I see the present as a fresh start. Now that Devdas has been chosen to represent India at the Oscars, my efforts have been vindicated.’’ Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Devdas</span> has a happy ending off-screen.</div> </div>