Darr Filming Locations | Trivia | Cast (Then and Now)

“Darr” is a highly influential Bollywood psychological thriller released in 1993. Directed by Yash Chopra, the film delves into the dark world of obsession, love, and fear, leaving an unforgettable impact on audiences.

Then

1. Shah Rukh Khan as Rahul Mehra: Shah Rukh Khan portrayed the antagonist, Rahul Mehra, a psychologically disturbed and obsessive stalker. His chilling performance as an unstable lover, obsessed with Kiran, earned him critical acclaim and established him as one of the finest actors in the industry.
2. Juhi Chawla as Kiran Awasti: Juhi Chawla played Kiran Awasti, the object of Rahul’s dangerous obsession. Her portrayal of a woman trapped in a terrifying situation and her emotional turmoil struck a chord with the audience.
3. Sunny Deol as Sunil Malhotra: Sunny Deol portrayed Sunil Malhotra, Kiran’s husband, and an army officer. His role as the protective husband who confronts Rahul’s menacing obsession added depth to the film.
4. Anupam Kher as Preetam Singh: Anupam Kher portrayed the character of Preetam Singh, Kiran’s elder brother, in “Darr.” He played a pivotal role in the film, trying to protect his sister from the obsessed stalker, Rahul. Anupam Kher’s performance added emotional depth and intensity to the storyline.
5. Tanvi Azmi as Preeti Singh: Tanvi Azmi portrayed the character of Preeti Singh, Kiran’s elder sister-in-law, and Preetam Singh’s wife. Her role in the film brought a compassionate and supportive presence to Kiran’s life, especially during the difficult moments she faced due to Rahul’s obsession.

 Darr Cast – Now

1. Shah Rukh Khan: Known as the “King of Bollywood,” Shah Rukh Khan has become an iconic actor over the years. He has appeared in numerous blockbuster films and remains one of the most popular and influential stars in Indian cinema.
2. Juhi Chawla: Juhi Chawla has been a prominent figure in the industry and has continued to showcase her versatility as an actor. She has taken on a diverse range of roles and has also ventured into film production and entrepreneurship.
3. Sunny Deol: Sunny Deol, known for his powerful on-screen presence, has continued to be active in the industry. He has appeared in various films, and his iconic roles from the past continue to be celebrated by fans.
4. Anupam Kher: Anupam Kher is a highly respected and versatile actor in Bollywood. He has appeared in numerous films and has also achieved international recognition for his work in Hollywood. Anupam Kher is known for his remarkable acting skills and has received several awards and accolades for his performances.
5. Tanvi Azmi: Tanvi Azmi is a critically acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in both films and television. She has continued to showcase her talent in various projects and has earned praise for her nuanced portrayals of diverse characters.

Trivia about Darr

“Darr” is a film with a rich history and some interesting trivia associated with it. Here are some fun facts and trivia about the movie:

1. Initial Casting Choices: Before Shah Rukh Khan was finalized for the role of Rahul Mehra, Aamir Khan was initially approached for the part. However, due to creative differences, Aamir opted out of the film, and the role eventually went to Shah Rukh Khan, who delivered an iconic performance as the antagonist.
2. Yash Chopra’s Inspiration: The idea for “Darr” came to director Yash Chopra from his own personal experiences. He once received a series of anonymous letters from an obsessed fan, and this incident inspired him to explore the theme of obsession and fear in the film.
3. Unconventional Antagonist: “Darr” was one of the first Bollywood films to portray the antagonist as the central character. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of the obsessed stalker Rahul Mehra was widely acclaimed and marked a departure from the conventional portrayal of villains in Indian cinema.
4. Iconic Dialogue: The film introduced the famous dialogue “I love you, K-K-K-Kiran” spoken by Shah Rukh Khan’s character Rahul. This line became a trademark of the movie and is still remembered by fans.
5. International Recognition: Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in “Darr” earned him widespread praise and international recognition. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for his portrayal of Rahul Mehra.
6. Juhi Chawla’s Fear of Shah Rukh Khan: Juhi Chawla, who played the female lead Kiran, was initially apprehensive about working with Shah Rukh Khan because of his intense and convincing portrayal of Rahul Mehra. However, Shah Rukh’s friendly and professional approach helped her overcome her fear.
7. Darr’s Remake in Other Languages: “Darr” was remade in Tamil as “Dhaya” (1998) and in Telugu as “Priya O Priya” (1997), with similar themes and stories adapted for regional audiences.
8. Box Office Success: “Darr” was a commercial success at the box office and is regarded as one of the highest-grossing films of 1993.
9. Impact on Pop Culture: The film’s gripping storyline and Shah Rukh Khan’s memorable performance have made “Darr” a cult classic. The film’s influence on Indian pop culture is evident from references to its dialogues and scenes in various other films and television shows over the years.
10. Yash Chopra initially wanted Raveena Tandon to play the role of Kiran in “Darr,” as he had enjoyed working with her in the movie “Parampara” (1993). However, Raveena turned down the part. In the song “Tu Mere Samne,” Shah Rukh Khan wears a shirt that he also briefly wore in the song “Baazigar O Baazigar” from the film “Baazigar.”
11. The final star cast for “Darr” was supposed to include Sunny Deol, Divya Bharti, and Aamir Khan. However, Aamir expressed his dissatisfaction with Divya and insisted on having Juhi Chawla in the film. Yash Chopra eventually agreed to Aamir’s demand and signed Juhi Chawla for the role of Kiran. This led to some tension between Yash Chopra and Aamir, as Aamir had been unhappy with Yash during the shooting of “Parampara.”
12. The film’s original title was “Kiran,” but it was later changed to “Darr.”

Darr Filming Locations

1. Delhi, India:  The film starts in Delhi, where the protagonist Kiran Awashti, played by Juhi Chawla, lives. The cityscape of Delhi is showcased in several scenes, including Kiran’s home and the university where she teaches.. Certain sequences were also filmed in Delhi, including scenes at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).  ‘
2. Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: Most of the film was shot in Mumbai, including the city’s bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and specific indoor sets to depict various scenes.
3. Shimla: The movie features sequences in the scenic hill station of Shimla, where Kiran’s family spends their vacation. The serene beauty of Shimla is contrasted with the suspense and tension in the plot.
4. Switzerland: “Darr” is known for its iconic song “Jaadu Teri Nazar,” which was filmed against the picturesque backdrop of Switzerland. The lush green meadows and snow-capped mountains provide a romantic setting for the song sequences featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla.The picturesque scenes in Switzerland featured in the Bollywood movie “Darr” were primarily shot in two beautiful locations: Interlaken and Gstaad. Switzerland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and these locations provided a captivating backdrop for various scenes in the film. Two songs ‘ Likhan Hain In Hawaon Mein’ and ‘Tu Mere Saamne’ particularly were shot in Interlaken and Gstaad.
   1. Interlaken: Interlaken, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Jungfrau Region,” is a charming town situated in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. Interlaken is known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, making it a popular destination for filmmakers looking to capture the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
   2. Gstaad: Gstaad is another exquisite Swiss destination known for its luxury resorts, picturesque landscapes, and charming chalet-style architecture. It is located in the Bernese Oberland region, not far from Interlaken. Gstaad’s serene surroundings and snow-capped peaks have made it a favored location for both film productions and vacationers seeking an idyllic mountain retreat.

   These locations in Switzerland provided the perfect backdrop for the romantic and scenic sequences in “Darr,” adding to the film’s visual appeal and capturing the essence of a romantic thriller set amidst the beauty of the Swiss Alps.