Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan), a wealthy law graduate, returns home after studying for 10 years in London, to marry his childhood friend Parvati a.k.a. Paro (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). But his wealthy family prohibits him from marrying Paro, which leaves the duo shattered. The rejection sparks his descent into alcoholism which then transforms into emotional deterioration. In search of emotional support and refuge, he lands on the golden-hearted courtesan Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit Nene).