Shah Rukh Khan took up Baazigar on this condition after Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar rejected It, reveals writer Robin Bhatt

What was SRK's condition on taking up Baazigar film?

Known as the "King of Bollywood," Shah Rukh Khan has given some of the most memorable performances in Indian cinema. One such performance was in the movie Baazigar, which is still regarded as one of his most iconic parts. The film's writer, Robin Bhatt, recently revealed some intriguing details about Shah Rukh Khan's involvement in this significant motion picture.

In an interview with Friday Talkies, Robin Bhatt, the younger brother of renowned filmmakers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, revealed an intriguing behind-the-scenes story. Baazigar was originally offered to both Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, but both stars turned down the role. It was only when Shah Rukh Khan was approached that the film found its perfect lead. However, Shah Rukh Khan had one condition—he would only take on the role if the script remained unchanged.

“I will do the film if only you will leave the script as it is. You will not try and justify the character or make him grey,” Bhatt recalled Shah Rukh Khan’s firm stance, which ultimately allowed the film’s bold narrative to remain intact.

Bhatt also spoke about the challenges of casting for the film, as the script broke away from the typical hero-villain narrative. The protagonist in Baazigar was both the hero and the antagonist, a complex character that required an actor with the right balance of intensity and charisma. After both Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan declined, Shah Rukh Khan’s fearlessness and versatility made him the only actor capable of pulling off such a role.

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Bhatt fondly remembered their first meeting, where Shah Rukh Khan, who often visited Hotel Villa for sittings related to Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, instantly connected with the script. “By the time we reached the interval point, SRK instantly agreed to be part of the film, without even waiting to hear the second half,” Bhatt shared.

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This significant event in Bollywood history marked a sea change in Shah Rukh Khan's career and cemented his place as the "Baadshah" of the business. The success of the movie and the development of his career were greatly influenced by his guts to play a complicated character and his insistence on sticking to the original script.