The 1993 Bollywood thriller Darr is one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most memorable films, particularly for his portrayal of an obsessive lover that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His iconic line, “K…k…k…Kiran,” addressed to Juhi Chawla’s character, has become synonymous with his early image as an anti-hero.
However, what many fans might not know is that the role, eventually immortalized by Shah Rukh Khan, was initially offered to another Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.
In a recent interview, Juhi Chawla reminisced about this lesser-known casting detail and shared her reaction upon hearing that Aamir Khan was initially chosen to play the role.
Juhi, who had made her debut alongside Aamir in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and developed a strong working rapport with him, said, “When I heard that Yash ji [Yash Chopra, the director of Darr] was going to cast Aamir Khan for the role that Shah Rukh did, I was so happy because, you know, I’ve worked with Aamir in our initial films, and with him, I’m so comfortable.”
Juhi’s excitement stemmed from her comfort level with Aamir, which had been established over years of collaboration. The familiarity made her feel at ease, and she was thrilled at the prospect of sharing the screen with him again in a high-stakes, intense film like Darr. However, fate had different plans. Eventually, Aamir turned down the role, reportedly due to creative differences and other project commitments. Juhi shared, “Then I heard that Aamir is not doing it. I think it went to Ajay Devgn and some other young heroes, but they wouldn’t do it either.”
As Juhi Chawla continued to reflect on the casting journey of Darr, she revealed that Shah Rukh Khan was not even the second or third choice for the part. The role was offered to several actors before finally landing in SRK’s lap. By the time Shah Rukh agreed to take on the character, the film’s production was already under significant pressure. Juhi noted, “Finally, it was Shah Rukh, but I can’t tell you how special it was.” Her words reflect her eventual satisfaction with how things turned out, as SRK’s portrayal added a unique intensity to the film that captivated audiences.
While Juhi initially had some reservations about working with Shah Rukh, considering their lack of familiarity, she soon became comfortable with him. They had already finished working on Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman by the time Darr started. This previous experience allowed her to build rapport with SRK, and she described their time working together as “a great adventure.”
Despite the initial casting shuffle, Darr went on to become a huge success, largely due to SRK’s portrayal of the obsessive lover.
This role not only established him as a versatile actor but also opened doors for more unconventional roles in his career. Juhi’s joy at initially knowing Aamir might play the part turned into a memorable experience with Shah Rukh, creating a film that remains iconic in Indian cinema.
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