The iconic Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster “Baazigar” had a significantly darker original script where Kajol’s character was meant to kill him, directors Abbas-Mustan have revealed.
A Trailblazing Role for Shah Rukh Khan
“Baazigar,” released in 1993, was a groundbreaking film that redefined how lead actors portrayed characters in Bollywood. At a time when heroes were typically seen as noble saviors, Shah Rukh Khan broke the mold by embodying a cold-blooded avenger.
Directors Abbas-Mustan shared insights into their unique vision for the film. While the world saw Shah Rukh’s character, Ajay Sharma, as negative, they considered him a hero, driven by understandable motivations for his actions.
The Initial Darker Draft
Mustan Burmawalla disclosed that the first draft of “Baazigar” was vastly different. In this initial version, Shah Rukh’s character was an “out-and-out negative” villain with a deeply troubled past.
This early script portrayed a character who endured a tough childhood, witnessing his father abuse his mother. He grew up determined to become rich at any cost. His plan involved seducing two daughters of a millionaire, killing one to seize the family empire, only for the second daughter to discover his intentions and ultimately kill him.
Infusing Emotion and Backstory
Inspired by veteran filmmakers like Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra, the directors soon realized that a film, even with a negative lead, needed emotional depth to resonate with audiences. They understood that the strongest emotions revolve around family.
This crucial realization led them to rework the script entirely. They developed a strong backstory for Ajay Sharma, focusing on his emotional past, including his mother’s struggles, his father’s death, and his younger sister. This change provided a compelling reason for his vengeful actions, making him more complex than a mere villain.
Abbas-Mustan emphasized that the screenplay was the most critical element in shaping the film into what it became. They took time to craft this revised version, convincing the producer of the need for an emotional arc.
The Film We Know Today
The final version of “Baazigar” tells the story of Ajay Sharma’s relentless quest for revenge against business tycoon Madan Chopra, who destroyed his family. As part of his elaborate scheme, he seduces Chopra’s two daughters, murders one, and eventually falls in love with the other.
The film culminates in a violent confrontation where Ajay meets his end, but his actions are understood within the context of his tragic past and intense desire for justice. This emotional depth is what made “Baazigar” a timeless classic and a pivotal film in Shah Rukh Khan’s career.
- The original “Baazigar” script had Kajol’s character kill Shah Rukh Khan’s.
- Shah Rukh Khan’s role was initially conceived as purely negative, driven by a desire for wealth and revenge for his childhood.
- Directors Abbas-Mustan introduced a deeper emotional backstory to make the character more relatable and complex.
The evolution of “Baazigar’s” script highlights how crucial storytelling choices can transform a film, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
