When Baazigar hit the big screens in 1993, it didn’t just introduce a new side of Shah Rukh Khan — it redefined him. The crime thriller, directed by the duo Abbas-Mustan, marked a sharp turn in the actor’s career, propelling him from the charming lover boy to a bold performer willing to take risks. What many may not know is that Shah Rukh Khan wasn’t the original choice for the film.
Writer Robin Bhatt recently recounted the journey behind the making of Baazigar in an interview. It all began with a conversation about the novel A Kiss Before Dying, which Robin Bhatt had already read. Recognising its cinematic potential, he went ahead and penned the screenplay, setting the stage for Abbas-Mustan to bring the story to life on screen.
However, finding the right actor to lead the film proved to be challenging. Akshay Kumar was the first to be approached but he turned it down. Salman Khan’s father Salim Khan also declined on his son’s behalf, questioning why Salman would take on such a role. With two rejections, Robin Bhatt felt the film needed someone who could understand and embrace the unconventional nature of the character — someone like Shah Rukh Khan.
Robin Bhatt recalled their casual meetings at a hotel where both frequented for different film projects. During these interactions, he noticed that Shah Rukh’s thinking stood apart — he was perceptive, experimental and open to playing complex roles. When Robin Bhatt finally narrated the first half of the script to Shah Rukh, the actor was immediately on board, not even requiring to hear the rest of the story. His only condition was that the script should remain untouched; he did not want the morally grey protagonist to be softened or justified.
Baazigar went on to become a cult classic, praised for its gripping narrative and Shah Rukh Khan’s chilling portrayal of a man driven by revenge. His performance as Ajay Sharma/Vicky Malhotra showcased a darker, more intense side of the actor, setting him apart in an industry that often typecast its leading men. Alongside SRK, the film starred Kajol, Shilpa Shetty, Johny Lever and Dalip Tahil, contributing to its widespread acclaim.
Today, Shah Rukh Khan stands as one of the most iconic figures of Bollywood, with recent hits like Pathaan and Jawan reinforcing his unmatched star power. Up next, he will share the screen with his daughter Suhana Khan in King, a much-anticipated project also featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Abhay Verma.
