Dilip Kumar had played the same role in 1955 classic, directed by Bimal Roy.

"I was a fool to say I will do 'Devdas', I feel I shouldn't have done it. I have a very deep regard for the fact that my parents loved 'Devdas'. I was young and it was very stupid of me to do it. But I had the blessings of Dilip Sahib," Shah Rukh said here last night after launching the book 'The Dialogue of Devdas' by Nasreen Munni Kabir.

The book has the complete dialogue of Bimal Roy's film, written by Rajinder Singh Bedi.

When asked if he tried to copy Dilip Kumar, Shah Rukh said, "You can't imitate Dilip sahib. No one can dare copy him and whoever does so, are idiots like me."

The 2002 remake, made by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is known for its spectacular locations and lavish clothes. The film was one of the most expensive movies made in Bollywood at that time.

Shah Rukh, however, says he would not have taken the role if it was offered to him today.

"As I am getting mature, hopefully more intelligent, I would not have been able to do it at this point of a time. I think 'Devdas' did great for me. It was made so beautifully that whoever would have done it, it would have looked good," the 46-year-old said.

"Like every Indian mother, my mother also thought I am just like...I look like Dilip Kumar...only a mother can say this. I cannot become like Dilip sahib and can't even think of it. But now I feel at least her soul would be a bit at rest with my presence here," he said.