Fardeen Khan Reflects on His Pivotal Role in Govind Nihalani's 'Dev'

Fardeen Khan's Transformative Experience in 'Dev'

In Govind Nihalani's impactful film Dev, Fardeen Khan portrays a character steeped in inner turmoil and conflict. His performance as a disillusioned young Muslim resonates with the essence of Hrithik Roshan's role in Khalid Mohamed's Fiza, albeit with a more subdued approach and a focus on a tighter narrative circle. Fardeen's portrayal aligns well with his character's struggles, although his accent leans more towards South Mumbai rather than the lower-class Baroda.

For Fardeen Khan, Dev marked a significant turning point in his career. He expressed gratitude towards Kareena Kapoor, who recommended him for the role, stating, "It was my third film with her, and I will always appreciate her support."

Working under a director of Govind Nihalani's caliber was a novel experience for Fardeen. He remarked, "Being cast by the esteemed Govind Nihalani alongside legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Om Puri was a tremendous validation for any actor. Govindji's reputation for meticulous direction and compelling storytelling is well-known."

This film represented Fardeen's first portrayal of a real-life character. He noted, "The opportunity to engage in a project that was both relevant and meaningful was quite rare at that time."

What stood out most for Fardeen in Dev? He shared, "Sharing the screen with Amitji, whom I have always admired, was a profound experience. His remarkable career has significantly shaped Indian cinema and left a lasting impact on me and countless others. Working with him was a once-in-a-lifetime honor and a highlight of my career."

When asked if he considers Dev the most significant film of his career, Fardeen replied, "It was undoubtedly the most socially relevant role I played, carrying a powerful message."