Playing the antihero in Baazigar (1993) by Abbas-Mustan was a bold move that shifted Shah Rukh Khan's career trajectory, although he was barely two years into his Bollywood career at the time. The film's success solidified his stardom. On the other hand, SRK wasn't initially considered for the role. The superstar was the third actor to accept the role of Baazigar after Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan declined.

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Robin Bhatt steps out of his comfort zone

Robin Bhatt, who is half-brother to Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, recently spoke to the Friday Talkies about how they made Baazigar. He is best known for his romantic dramas such as Aashiqui, Sadak, and Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin but remembers getting out of his element to write a darker piece.

A Kiss Before Dying was the question put to Robin one day when he got a phone call. The screenwriter mentioned that it was originally a novel. He has read it, and he thinks it would be perfect for a film adaptation. Then Abbas Mustan (watch Soldier and Aitraaz) wanted him to write the screenplay since they were going to direct it. Baazigar was created as a result.

The novel A Kiss Before Dying from 1953 served as the inspiration for a new type of Bollywood hero in Baazigar—one who was actually a villain. Casting for such warped characters was challenging because the idea was so revolutionary back then.

Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan decline

Robin remembered that they didn't know who to cast, but he completed writing. Akshay declined when they visited him. They went on to Salim Khan, who initially declined, asking, "Why would Salman do this film?" He also declined.

At that moment, Robin considered Shah Rukh, who was already showing signs of a distinctive mentality in his everyday encounters.

Shah Rukh Khan's commitment to the original vision

Villa was a hotel that they stayed at quite a bit and Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman sit-ins used to happen there. Robin would be present to attend to his subjects. Occasionally, they would cross paths. The writer had gotten the impression from these gatherings that SRK is unique and has unconventional ideas. So, he told the superstar the story one day, and he enthusiastically agreed to star in the film right before they reached the interval. He paid no attention to what happened in the second half.

Shah Rukh not only agreed right away, but he was also very specific about what they wanted before he signed on.

Robin recalled that SRK urged them to just stick with the current screenplay, and he would star in the film. There will be no attempts to rationalise or greyscale the character from their end.

Baazigar becomes a milestone

Thanks to the then-young actor's fearless performance, filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan were able to remain true to their initial concept, and history was made. One of Shah Rukh Khan's most famous performances, Baazigar, went on to become a commercial smash. Raakhee, Johnny Lever, Kajol, and Shilpa Shetty were also in the film.