Mumbai: Shahrukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” has a storied career filled with blockbuster hits. After making his debut in 1992 with the film Deewana, Shahrukh quickly rose to fame with iconic films like Darr, Baazigar, Anjaam, and Badshah. While many fans are familiar with these classics, not everyone knows the intriguing stories behind their creation, particularly regarding the title track of Badshah and the casting of Baazigar.
The Unexpected Origin of ‘Badshah O Badshah’
During the launch party of Badshah, Shahrukh Khan shared an interesting revelation about the film’s title track, “Badshah O Badshah.” Surprisingly, this hit song was written six years before the film’s release, on the very day Baazigar hit the theaters in 1993. Shahrukh explained that the film’s directors, Abbas-Mustan, were initially working on a different story for Badshah. However, the original script didn’t meet their expectations, leading to a complete rewrite.
This rewrite significantly delayed the film’s production, as both the directors and Shahrukh became occupied with other projects. Shahrukh mentioned, “The film took a lot of time to be made, while its title song was written on the day of the release of Baazigar. However, waiting for so long proved to be right.” This anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of filmmaking, where creativity often requires patience.
The Casting Drama Behind Baazigar
Released in 1993, Baazigar became the fourth highest-grossing film of the year, cementing Shahrukh Khan’s status as a superstar. However, the casting of the film wasn’t straightforward. According to a report by The Indian Express, actor Deepak Tijori was initially considered for the lead role. However, Deepak soon learned that the directors, Abbas-Mustan, were also in talks with Shahrukh Khan.
At the time, Shahrukh and Deepak were close friends, and Deepak decided to discuss the situation with Shahrukh. They agreed that Shahrukh would not accept the role without first consulting Deepak. True to his word, Shahrukh waited for Deepak’s approval before saying yes to Baazigar. This mutual respect and friendship between the two actors played a significant role in shaping the final casting.
Badshah‘s Box Office Success
After the success of Baazigar, Shahrukh Khan and Deepak Tijori reunited for the 1999 film Badshah. The film, which also starred Twinkle Khanna, Amrish Puri, Rakhi Gulzar, and Johnny Lever, was a commercial success. According to Box Office India, Badshah earned over ₹25 crores at the box office, against a modest budget of ₹11 crores. The film’s worldwide earnings exceeded ₹31 crores, making it another hit in Shahrukh’s career.
Twinkle Khanna and the Stellar Cast of Badshah
In Badshah, Twinkle Khanna played the lead role opposite Shahrukh Khan, contributing to the film’s charm with her on-screen presence. The movie also featured stellar performances by veteran actors like Amrish Puri, known for his iconic villain roles, and Rakhi Gulzar, who brought depth to her character. Comedian Johnny Lever added a dose of humor, making Badshah a complete entertainment package.
From Baazigar to Badshah: A Journey of Hits
Shahrukh Khan’s journey from Baazigar to Badshah showcases his versatility as an actor and his ability to navigate the complexities of the film industry. The stories behind these films, from the last-minute script changes to the careful consideration of casting, reveal the dedication and hard work that go into creating a Bollywood classic. As Shahrukh continues to dominate the industry, these anecdotes remind us of the serendipitous moments that often define a superstar’s career.
