'Baazigar' writer says SRK ignored industry doubts, backed risky role
What's the story
The 1993 thriller Baazigar, which catapulted Shah Rukh Khan to stardom, was initially met with skepticism. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, the film's writer, Javed Siddiqui, revealed that many in the industry doubted audiences would accept a morally ambiguous protagonist. "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," he said.
Industry doubts
'Baazigar' faced skepticism for its unconventional protagonist
Siddiqui further added, "They also pointed out that he commits five murders in the film. Most people were shocked and felt the audience wouldn't accept such a protagonist." Despite these doubts, Khan remained confident about his role. Siddiqui recalled, "But only one person had confidence in the film, and he was Shah Rukh." "He said, 'I will pull it off.' He has something different in him. He is also very hardworking when it comes to preparing for his role."
Early connection
Siddiqui's bond with Khan before 'Baazigar'
Siddiqui also reminisced about his early days with Khan. "I had developed a bond with him before Baazigar," he said. "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." Despite initial doubts, Baazigar became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 1993 and gradually earned cult classic status. It co-stars Kajol and Shilpa Shetty.