Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” has had an illustrious career filled with numerous blockbusters. Making his Bollywood debut in 1992 with the film “Deewana,” he quickly rose to stardom with hits like “Darr,” “Baazigar,” “Anjaam,” and “Baadshah.” Each film comes with its own story or anecdote, often linked to its music or casting choices. One such intriguing story involves his film “Baadshah.”
Behind the Scenes of “Baadshah”
During the launch party for “Baadshah,” Shah Rukh shared some fascinating anecdotes related to its title track, “Baadshah O Baadshah.” This song was actually written six years before the film was released. Shah Rukh revealed that the film’s directors, Abbas-Mustan, got so entangled in their busy schedules that they faced delays in completing the movie.
History of the Title Track
The filmmakers initially had a different storyline in mind, but the original script didn’t resonate well with the team. Consequently, it was rewritten, leading to more delays as both Shah Rukh and the directors were preoccupied with other projects. Shah Rukh mentioned, “The film took considerable time to complete, while the title song was penned on the release day of ‘Baazigar.’ However, waiting proved to be beneficial for us.”
Unveiling “Baazigar” and Its Impact
Story Behind the Lead Role
“Baazigar,” which hit theaters in 1993, turned out to be the fourth highest-grossing film of that year. Interestingly, the casting for “Baazigar” was not straightforward. According to reports from the Indian Express, Deepak Tijori was initially set to play the lead role. However, upon learning that Shah Rukh Khan was also in conversations with the directors, they reached an understanding where Shah Rukh would wait for Deepak’s approval before accepting any role. True to his word, Shah Rukh did not say yes until he had Deepak’s consent.
Box Office Success
Following his role in “Baazigar,” both actors reunited in “Baadshah.” For “Baadshah,” Twinkle Khanna was cast alongside Shah Rukh, with legendary actors like Amrish Puri, Rakhi Gulzar, and Johnny Lever contributing to the film. According to Box Office India, “Baadshah” managed to surpass ₹25 crore in earnings, an impressive feat considering its budget was only ₹11 crore. Worldwide, the film grossed more than ₹31 crore, marking it as a significant success in Shah Rukh Khan’s career.
Conclusion
Both “Baazigar” and “Baadshah” played pivotal roles in establishing Shah Rukh Khan as a leading figure in the Hindi film industry. The stories behind these films reveal the complexities of Bollywood filmmaking, including the necessity of timing and relationships among actors and directors. As Shah Rukh continues to evolve as an actor and a filmmaker, these early successes remain a testament to his dedication and passion for cinema.
