Anil Kapoor was the first choice for Baazigar, recall Abbas-Mustan: ‘He said it’s good but I won’t do it’

Shah Rukh Khan’s career had just started when he appeared as an anti-hero in Abbas-Mustan’s Baazigar. The role that is now seen as a game-changer for SRK did not just fall into his lap but was first rejected by many stars of the time. In an earlier interview, filmmakers Abbas-Mustan revealed that their first choice for this role was Anil Kapoor, who had already established himself with films like Mr India, Karma, Tezaab, Parinda, among others. But he said that Baazigar wasn’t his cup of tea.

In an old chat with Komal Nahta, Abbas-Mustan recalled, “When we were ready with the story of Baazigar, we first went to Anil Kapoor. He was shooting for Roop Ki Rani Choro Ki Raja and he said this subject is too risky. He said it’s good but I won’t do it. He refused politely.” After Anil Kapoor’s refusal, producer Ratan Jain thought of Salman Khan and gave him a call. Salman too, had become a star after Maine Pyar Kiya, but this time, the refusal did not come from the star but from his father Salim Khan. “Ratan Jain got in touch with Salman but Salman was doing Rajshri’s films at the time. It was all family oriented stuff. Salim saab told us that it’s too early for Salman to take this up,” they recalled.

As they were looking for the lead hero, they thought of Shah Rukh, who they had liked in his debut film Deewana. Coincidentally, Shah Rukh happened to be at the Venus Films office when he ran into the directors and praised their film Khiladi. He also mentioned that he would be keen to work with them on a thriller. “He told us that if you have some other film like Khiladi, let me know. We contacted him then,” they shared.

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The director duo met with Shah Rukh, who insisted on a narration from them, and as soon as it was done, he agreed to do the film. “He heard the story and immediately said he will do it,” they recalled.

Baazigar, followed by Darr, was released in 1993. Both these films changed the trajectory of Shah Rukh Khan’s career.