Thirty-two years after its release, Baazigar remains a cult classic that redefined Bollywood thrillers and turned Shah Rukh Khan into India's most iconic anti-hero. Read further to know how the film almost starred Sridevi in a double role before Kajol and Shilpa Shetty,
Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most influential actors in Bollywood. The actor is known for his luxurious life and enjoys a net worth of Rs. 12,490 crores, making him one of the richest Bollywood actors. Another proof of his lavish lifestyle is his sea-facing mansion in Mumbai, Mannat.
Baazigar reshaped Shah Rukh Khan’s career and made him the face of unconventional heroes. His fearless performance set him apart and continues to be celebrated even today.
Abbas–Mustan initially planned for Sridevi to play twin sistersroles later played by Kajol and Shilpa Shetty.The plot was inspired by A Kiss Before Dying, where the hero murders both sisters.
The directors realised killing Sridevi twice could upset the audience since she was hugely loved. They feared the audience would sympathise with her too much, weakening the villain’s impact.
To avoid confusion, the directors removed the double role and split the sisters’ characters. This decision introduced two fresh faces Kajol and Shilpa Shetty, who became iconic through the film.
The hunt for the male lead was tough as many top actors refused the role. Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn all turned down the dark, risky character.
SRK eventually came on board and even suggested adding the mother’s backstory. This emotional layer strengthened the hero’s motive and helped the film become a cult classic.
The film also featured Johnny Lever, Raakhee, Anant Mahadevan, Adi Irani and others. Together, they helped Baazigar become one of Bollywood’s most memorable thrillers.
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