Ismail Darbar feels Shah Rukh Khan in 'Devdas' led to Salman Khan-Sanjay Leela Bhansali's fallout

Bollywood has always been full of big personalities, iconic films, and memorable collaborations. Among these, the dynamics between Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have often sparked curiosity. The film ‘Devdas’ became a turning point in this narrative, not just for the actors, but for people behind the scenes, like music composer Ismail Darbar, who recently opened up about his perspective on these legendary figures and their complicated professional ties.

Ismail Darbar on casting Sharukh Khan instead of Salman Khan

In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, Darbar suggested that Bhansali might have done wrong with Salman by hiring his direct competitor, Shah Rukh, to star in ‘Devdas’. He said, “When I needed work, he gave me Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and when he needed me, I gave up all the work I had for him. He was my godfather in the industry, after all… My heart tells me that his equation with Salman soured because he hired Shah Rukh for Devdas. Isn’t it obvious? If I help you out twice, and the third time, you go and hire my competitor, I would be upset? Salman worked with him on Khamoshi, and then worked with him again even though Khamoshi flopped.”

The times they have shared the screen

Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan enjoy a huge fan base, and their admirers love all the times these two stars come together on the big screen. Their notable collaborations include ‘Karan Arjun’ (1995), ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ (1998, cameo), and ‘Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam’ (2002). While competition between them was always evident, both actors have maintained mutual respect over the years.

Most recently, the duo was seen together through cameos in each other’s films: Salman Khan in ‘Pathaan’ and Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Tiger 3’.