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Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 16:22 IST
Sriram Raghavan Discusses Shah Rukh Khan’s Vision for Baazigar
Acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan recently recounted his experience with a story that closely mirrored the plot of the iconic film Baazigar, directed by Abbas-Mustan in 1993 and featuring Shah Rukh Khan in a pivotal role. In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Raghavan reflected on how he only recognized the similarities much later in his career. He highlighted Shah Rukh Khan’s significant involvement in shaping the portrayal of his character, indicating that the actor had reservations about the initial direction presented by the film’s directors.
Raghavan elaborated that his adaptation drew heavily from the novel A Kiss Before Dying, which served as the foundation for Baazigar. His version aligned more closely with the book, showcasing a protagonist who embodies psychopathic tendencies, driven by the singular ambition of marrying into wealth. He stated, “I was more faithful to the book. In the story, the protagonist is depicted as a psychopath… he wishes to marry into affluence. The first girl he becomes enamored with also reciprocates his feelings. However, complications arise when she becomes pregnant and her father discovers the situation through orthodox means.”
Furthermore, Raghavan recounted how Khan expressed a desire for his character to maintain a darker essence, akin to that found in the novel. “Shah Rukh firmly stated, ‘Why are we even doing this? I like the guy being the maniac. Why do you want to give him a reason?’” This insight encapsulates the actor’s commitment to authenticity in character portrayal, emphasizing a preference for complexity over simplification.
About Baazigar
Baazigar (1993) remains a significant entry in Hindi cinema, directed by Abbas-Mustan and starring Shah Rukh Khan alongside Kajol. The narrative delves into themes of vengeance and deception, as it follows a young man’s calculated quest for retribution against a wealthy businessman, all while concealing his true identity and sinister agenda. The film marked a turning point in the 90s Bollywood landscape, achieving substantial commercial success and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
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