His middle name belongs to his mother. It is his priceless tribute to her, and to her innate strength. For she had told him early in life "The dreams are yours, the nightmares are mine"

It is this very sensitivity that has been evident from the very first film of this FTII (Film & Television Institute of India) graduate.

His début film Khamoshi - The musical happened after much turbulence and struggle. The touching narrative of a daughter's connection with her deaf-mute parents, silenced even the most hardened critics. Awards and accolades later, he had emerged a director to watch!

It proved to be a rewarding watch. His next film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam showcased another facet of the director. Enveloping this simple story of relationships, was visual splendour. An aura of celebration and festivity which bore a very individualistic stamp.It was a film that had indeed come from the heart, a larger-than-life heart. Not surprisingly stupendous success and every Award worth its while came his celebrated way. Thus catapulting him to the top league of Directors.

It came as a welcome surprise when Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced his next extravaganza based on the epic saga of Devdas. Inherent sensitivity and grandiose vision is a lethal combination after all! One, that would be an ode to India's best known love story, and perhaps the world's greater lover.

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An FTII graduate, Binod Kumar Pradhan proved his mettle in a plethora of films. His visually arresting work over the last 25 years have merited him regular awards from highly recognized Institutions. Binod Kumar Pradhan's expertise in Devdas, complements the wondrous spirit of the film where the heart, soul and mind had to be touched with élan and grandeur.

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A product of the J.J. School of Arts, it is a Herculean task to make a précis of the body of work and achievements of Nitin Chandrakant Desai. High profile films demanding authentic and larger-than-life scenarios have been enhanced by intricate creations. He has also made his presence felt in acclaimed International films. He holds the distinction of winning the National Award for two consecutive years which included Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Devdas was a beautiful challenge, as a classic masterpiece had to be recreated with precision and opulence. It was a challenge that bowed down to the dedicated efforts of Nitin Chandrakant Desai.

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Devdas, was written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhye way back in 1917. It had to be transferred on to celluloid with screenplay and dialogues for generation next. That would have a fresh and contemporary appeal without losing the epic charm and convey the pathos of the timeless love story. This had to be a labour of love, which went on to become the life breath of Prakash Ranjit Kapadia. Attached to the much watched Gujarati theatre as a writer since 1984, he has also written Television serials and films which merited him accolades and awards. Devdas marks his debut in Hindi films.

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Coming from a family of four generation musicians, is Ismail Darbar. An exponent of the violin, he worked for nine years as a session violist for leading music directors. Lady luck's shine increased on Ismail Darbar when he met director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, for whose film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, he composed the music. With the director's keen ear for music, the result, was sheer magic! Filmgoers were astonished by the exemplary quality, melody and originality of the musical score. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ismail Darbar have bedecked Devdas with nine songs that speak not only the story of the film but also the story of melody and passion at their entwined best.

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He indeed knows how to cajole his pen into giving its best. Having created a mark as a poet, he makes a soulful debut as a film lyricist in Devdas. The story of Devdas has passion, pain and pathos as its synonymous companions. The lyrics had to lovingly capture this. And open the route from the ears to the heart so that the musical words of Devdas may stay there forever. Nusrat Badr's simple lyrics complimented the complex feelings that had to be conveyed with much accuracy.

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When he makes the world dance on his fingers , nothing seems better.His legendary name has become synonymous with the traditional dance form of Kathak. Born in the illustrious family of Kathak Dancers of the Lucknow gharana, Pandit Birju Maharaj was initially trained by his father, Guru Achhan Maharaj and later by his uncle, Guru Shambhu Maharaj. His dances showcase an admirable blend of the best of the two greats. An institution by himself, he has not only bedazzled audiences the world over, but has also groomed a galaxy of young kathak dancers. As an ode to his unparalleled talent, are many prestigious awards including the Padma Vibhusan, Kalidas Samman and Soviet land Nehru award.Besides being a renowned dancer ,he is also a vocalist, percussionist, music composer, poet and painter. For "Devdas" he has composed & choreographed "Kahe Ched Mohe...", a 'Mujra' based on Indian Classical dance which is one of the highlights of the film.Thus ,dance history awaits yet another addition in its glittering pages.

SAROJ KHAN

Her sunshine demeanor, radiance and joie de vivre reflect in her choreography . She has to her credit ,some of the most pulsatingly popular dance numbers of the Indian film industry .She holds the distinct honour of receiving the first Filmfare Award for Choreography for her famous "Ek Do Teen" song with Madhuri Dixit . She has won a plethora of other awards including the Filmfare award for the song "Nimbooda" in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Hum Dil De Chuke sanam". Her magic touch surfaces yet again with her choreography in "Devdas ".This includes the much awaited "Dola re dola" song in which she orchestrates the nimble movements of Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya who blaze the screen together for the first time.

VAIBHAVI MERCHANT

Even as the fervour of her brilliantly choreographed garba dance number "Dhol baje..." in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Hum dil De Chuke Sanam" was at its peak ,she won the National Award for it. Vaibhavi Merchant, the grand-daughter of Shri. B. Hiralal, a renowned film choreographer, is trained in Indian and Western Classical dance.This, compiled with her fresh style leaves enough opportunity for appreciation to follow. In "Devdas" her delicate and sensitive touch is palpable in the three songs choreographed by her.

PAPPU - MALU

When Pappu met Malu , harmony met symphony yet again .Pappu (Zahur Sheikh) and Malu (Kavita Gandhi), started very young as dancers and assisted leading choreographers before taking the plunge as independent choereographers. They formed a group "Pop Chic", which has to its credit several prestigious stage shows in India and abroad. With Devdas, they make a spendid debut in film choreography.

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THE EDITOR- BELA SEGAL

Bela Segal, an FTII graduate, edited Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first independent film, Khamoshi - The musical. It silently left a mark on every sensitive heart. The duo went on to create magic with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Devdas is their third film together. In today's fast times, Devdas was a huge challenge.It was imperative to break a shot at the right time without either slowing the tempo of the film or on the other hand robbing the film of its integrity or nuances. Their partnership speaks the story of perfect tuning.

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THE COSTUME DESIGNERS

ABU JANI-SANDEEP KHOSLA

The innovative efforts of this duo have been pioneering and they have carved a permanent niche in the fashion world over the last 15 years. From the most high profile personalities of India to International show-stoppers,none have been able to resist wearing an Abu-Sandeep creation. The Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla label made its mark internationally beginning with a range of exclusive shawls sold under the Shakira Caine mark at Harvey Nichols and Harrods in London and Neiman Marcus and Bergdof Goodman in New York. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are forerunners when it comes to reinventing traditional Indian arts such as Chikan and Zardosi. A result of their travel to long forgotten regions and villages to acquire knowledge of the old world generation. If there is anything to surpass their creations, it is the one that they have yet to design.

NEETA LULLA

After 15 years as a fashion lecturer at the P.V. Polytechnic, Neeta Lulla laid her creative steps into the world of Hindi Cinema. She went on to design costumes for over 350 films and over 75 film stars, from Zohra Sehgal and Bindu to Sridevi and Juhi Chawla to Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai. She has also lent her astute mind and nimble fingers to regional films, music videos, live shows and Trousseau consultancy. One look at her line of awards says it all! In Devdas, she has designed the costumes for Aishwarya Rai and Kiron Kher besides other female characters in the film, thus adding much to their beauty and individuality.

REZA SHARIFFI

He has been in the dynamic field of dress designing for the last 15 years. Going by his impressive clientele, it is evident that film stars, models and other celebrities loved to be clothed in his creations. Be it for the Camera or off it. Films, tele serials, commercials and shows have been visually enriched by his costumes which carry his stamp, literally and figuratively. In Devdas he has designed some costumes for Madhuri Dixit who plays Chandramukhi, besides several key male characters as well as female dancers.

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JITENDRA CHAUDHARY - AUDIOGRAPHY

He gives a loving ear to songs much before the audience does. Trained in Sound Recording and Sound Engineering from FTII, Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Jitendra Chaudhary has worked on a number of films, television serials, commercials and documentaries. He has won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for "1942 - A love story" and "Khamoshi - The Musical" and IIFA award for "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam".

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MONTY - BACKGROUND SCORE

It was indeed a great legacy when Monty inherited a love for music from his musically inclined family. His grandfather, Pandit Ramprasad Sharma, a great composer has taught nearly all notable cine musicians. Monty assisted his uncle Pyarelal of the famous Laxmikant - Pyarelal duo , at an early age. For "Devdas", he has composed "Dev's Theme" and the background score wherein he has shown his genius with a unique Indian & Western blend.

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