In a stunning revelation that sheds new light on one of Bollywood's most iconic films, the writer of Baazigar has disclosed that virtually no one in the industry believed in the project or its unconventional lead character, except for one man: Shah Rukh Khan himself.
The Film That Defied All Expectations
Released in 1993, Baazigar arrived in only the second year of Shah Rukh Khan's Hindi film career, yet it became a defining milestone that catapulted him into overnight stardom. The Abbas-Mustan directed thriller not only established SRK as one of Bollywood's most promising new talents but also marked Kajol's first major commercial success while introducing Shilpa Shetty to the industry.
The film went on to become the fourth-highest-grossing Hindi film of the year and, over time, earned the prestigious status of a cult classic. Its success was particularly remarkable given the widespread skepticism that surrounded the project before its release.
The Skepticism and Shah Rukh's Confidence
In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, the film's writer Javed Siddiqui revealed the substantial doubts they faced from industry insiders. "When the project started, a lot of people said that you have made a negative character into a hero or you are making a hero into a villain," Siddiqui recalled.
He elaborated on the specific concerns raised by detractors, noting that "they also pointed out that he commits five murders in the film." The unconventional nature of the protagonist, who engaged in morally ambiguous actions, left most people shocked and pessimistic about the film's prospects.
Amid this sea of doubt, Shah Rukh Khan stood firm in his belief in the project and his ability to make the character work. "But only one person had confidence in the film, and he was Shah Rukh," Siddiqui emphasized, adding the actor's confident assertion: "He said, 'I will pull it off.'"
The Making of an Iconic Performance
Siddiqui praised Shah Rukh Khan's unique qualities that made him certain he could succeed with such a challenging role. "He has something different in him," the writer noted, highlighting the actor's dedication to his craft. "He is also very hardworking when it comes to preparing for his role."
The writer also shared nostalgic memories from Shah Rukh Khan's early days in the industry, before Baazigar cemented his stardom. "I had developed a bond with him before Baazigar," Siddiqui revealed. "My partner Robin Bhatt and I used to write movies together and had a permanent room in a hotel in Khar. Shah Rukh often visited us because, at that time, he wasn't so busy."
These informal meetings and conversations eventually contributed to the creation of one of Bollywood's most memorable characters and films. The success of Baazigar demonstrated that audiences were ready to embrace complex, morally ambiguous protagonists when portrayed by a performer of Shah Rukh Khan's caliber.
The film's journey from skepticism to triumph serves as a testament to the importance of believing in unconventional ideas and the power of a performer's conviction to transform doubt into legendary success.
