Shah Rukh Khan's Dark Past: Baazigar's Shocking Original Ending Revealed by Abbas-Mustan!
Shah Rukh Khan, the 'King of Bollywood,' is known for his romantic roles, but did you know his career took a sharp turn with a film that initially envisioned him as a full-blown villain? The thriller, Baazigar (1993), was a pivotal moment for Khan, and now, directors Abbas-Mustan have revealed some fascinating and unsettling details about the film’s original ending.
In a recent conversation, Abbas-Mustan, the directorial duo behind Baazigar, shed light on the script’s initial, far darker trajectory. They explained that the original plan involved Kajol, playing Priya, killing Shah Rukh Khan's character, Ajay Sharma. This would have provided a truly shocking and unexpected conclusion to the film, cementing its status as a dark and twisted thriller.
“The character of Shah Rukh was completely negative in the initial script,” Abbas explained. “We wanted to show a man who was out for revenge, and was willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. Kajol was supposed to kill him in the end.”
However, the filmmakers realized that such a drastic ending might alienate audiences, particularly those who were just beginning to embrace Shah Rukh Khan as a leading man. The romantic elements were gradually amplified, and the ending was altered to provide a more palatable resolution. The change was a strategic move to ensure the film's commercial success while still maintaining its suspenseful core.
“We felt that killing Shah Rukh off wouldn’t have worked. People were just starting to see him as a hero, and we didn't want to ruin that image,” Mustan added. “So, we softened the character, and changed the ending to something that would be more satisfying for the audience.”
Baazigar was a significant risk for Shah Rukh Khan at the time. He was still relatively new to the industry, and taking on the role of an anti-hero was a bold move. The film's success, despite the initial shift in the ending, proved that audiences were willing to accept Khan in a darker, more complex role. It paved the way for him to explore a wider range of characters and solidified his position as one of Bollywood's biggest stars.
The revelation about the original ending offers a glimpse into the creative process behind Baazigar and highlights the importance of adapting to audience expectations. It also serves as a reminder of Shah Rukh Khan’s versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles, a trait that has defined his illustrious career.
So, the next time you watch Baazigar, remember the chilling alternative ending that could have been – a testament to the film’s original ambition and the filmmakers’ ability to navigate the complexities of Bollywood’s evolving landscape.