Baazigar – Cast (Then and Now), Trivia

Released in 1993, “Baazigar” marked the emergence of Shah Rukh Khan as a versatile actor and a powerhouse performer in the Indian film industry. In this gripping thriller, Shah Rukh Khan portrayed the dual characters of Ajay Sharma and Vicky Malhotra with remarkable finesse. As the revenge-seeking protagonist, he mesmerized audiences with his intense expressions and charisma.

Kajol, known for her infectious energy and emotive skills, brought life to the character of Priya Chopra, a strong-willed woman who becomes entangled in Ajay’s plans for vengeance. Her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan added depth to their on-screen relationship, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood’s romantic genre.

Shilpa Shetty made her debut in “Baazigar” and delivered a memorable performance as Seema Chopra, Priya’s younger sister. Her innocent and vulnerable portrayal added layers of emotion to the narrative.

The film’s supporting cast, including veterans like Rakhee Gulzar, Dalip Tahil, and Siddharth Ray, contributed significantly to the movie’s success. Johnny Lever’s comedic timing as Babulal provided much-needed light-hearted moments in this intense thriller.

Directed by Abbas-Mustan, “Baazigar” is a suspenseful tale of love, revenge, and deception. The gripping storyline, intriguing plot twists, and Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic dialogue “Kabhi kabhi kuch jeetne ke liye kuch haarna bhi padta hai, aur haar kar jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain” (Sometimes, to win something, you have to lose something, and the one who wins after losing is called a ‘Baazigar’), became legendary.

The movie’s music, composed by Anu Malik, struck a chord with the audience, with popular tracks like “Baazigar O Baazigar,” “Ye Kaali Kaali Aankhen,” and “Kitaben Bahut Si” becoming chartbusters.

“Baazigar” not only elevated Shah Rukh Khan to the status of a megastar but also showcased his ability to portray complex characters with ease. Even today, this classic remains etched in the hearts of cinema lovers, proving to be a milestone in the careers of its lead actors and leaving an enduring impact on Indian cinema.

Cast of “Baazigar” – Then and Now:

1. Shah Rukh Khan as Ajay Sharma/Vicky Malhotra:

• Then: In 1993, Shah Rukh Khan was a rising star, known for his breakthrough performance in “Baazigar,” which became a turning point in his career.
• Now: Over the years, Shah Rukh Khan has become one of the most iconic and beloved actors in Bollywood. He continues to rule the industry with his charisma and talent.

2. Kajol as Priya Chopra:

• Then: Kajol’s portrayal of Priya Chopra in “Baazigar” earned her critical acclaim and established her as one of the leading actresses of her time.
• Now: Kajol remains a celebrated actress in the industry, having delivered several memorable performances. She continues to charm audiences with her acting prowess.

3. Shilpa Shetty as Seema Chopra:

• Then: “Baazigar” marked Shilpa Shetty’s debut in Bollywood, and she garnered attention for her promising performance as Seema Chopra.
• Now: Shilpa Shetty has become an accomplished actress, entrepreneur, and fitness enthusiast. Her journey in the entertainment industry has been remarkable.

4. Rakhee Gulzar as Shobha Chopra:

• Then: Rakhee Gulzar’s portrayal of Shobha Chopra, a mother seeking justice for her daughter’s death, left a lasting impact on the audience.
• Now: Rakhee Gulzar continues to be admired for her impressive body of work and her versatility as an actress.

5. Dalip Tahil as Madan Chopra:

• Then: Dalip Tahil’s performance as the patriarch of the Chopra family added depth to the film’s narrative.
• Now: Dalip Tahil remains a respected actor in the industry and has been part of numerous films and television projects.

6. Siddharth Ray as Inspector Karan Saxena:

• Then: Siddharth Ray’s portrayal of Inspector Karan Saxena, a diligent police officer, contributed to the movie’s gripping plot.
• Now: Siddharth Ray has been involved in various projects, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

7. Johnny Lever as Babulal:

• Then: Johnny Lever’s impeccable comic timing as Babulal provided comic relief amidst the intense storyline.
• Now: Johnny Lever continues to be one of the most beloved comedians in the industry, with his talent appreciated by audiences of all ages.

8. Anant Mahadevan as Vishwanath Sharma (Ajay’s Father):

• Then: Anant Mahadevan’s role as Ajay’s father added emotional depth to the film’s storyline.
• Now: Anant Mahadevan has become a prominent filmmaker, actor, and writer in the industry.

9. Dinyar Contractor as Prakash Malhotra (Vicky’s Father):

• Then: Dinyar Contractor’s portrayal of Vicky’s father showcased the complexities of family relationships in the movie.
• Now: Dinyar Contractor’s legacy as a talented actor continues to be remembered in the industry.

“Baazigar” remains a timeless classic, and the cast’s performances have left an indelible mark on the history of Bollywood cinema. Their contributions to the film have been cherished by audiences for decades, and they continue to be revered for their significant roles in shaping the success of this iconic movie.

 

 

“Baazigar” Trivia 

1. Alternate Title: The film was initially titled “Baadshah” but was later changed to “Baazigar.”
2. Inspiration: “Baazigar” was inspired by the Hollywood film “A Kiss Before Dying” (1991), which was based on a novel by Ira Levin.
3. Debut of Shilpa Shetty and Siddharth Ray: “Baazigar” marked the Bollywood debut of both Shilpa Shetty and Siddharth Ray.
4. Negative Role: “Baazigar” was one of the first films where Shah Rukh Khan played a negative role, breaking away from the conventional hero image.
5. Character Names: Shah Rukh Khan’s character in the film is known by two names, Ajay Sharma and Vicky Malhotra.
6. Famous Dialogues: The film popularized several iconic dialogues, including “Kabhi kabhi kuch jeetne ke liye kuch haarna bhi padta hai, aur haar kar jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain” (Sometimes, to win something, you have to lose something, and the one who wins after losing is called a ‘Baazigar’).
7. Music: The film’s soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, was a huge hit and featured memorable songs like “Baazigar O Baazigar,” “Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein,” and “Kitabein Bahut Si.”
8. The role of Baazigar was first offered to Akshay Kumar, but he declined the offer, citing concerns about the negative portrayal of the character. Similarly, Arbaaz Khan also turned down the role for the same reason, only to later embrace a full-fledged negative role in Abbas-Mustan’s “Daraar” (1996). Anil Kapoor and Salman Khan, too, rejected the role of Baazigar due to the character’s negative shades. It’s intriguing to note how the role eventually landed in the hands of Shah Rukh Khan, who delivered a remarkable performance and made the character of Ajay Sharma/Vicky Malhotra iconic in the history of Bollywood cinema.
10. Box Office Success: “Baazigar” was a commercial success and established Shah Rukh Khan as a bankable star in the industry.
11. Filmfare Awards: Shah Rukh Khan won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in “Baazigar.”
12. Directorial Debut: “Baazigar” was Abbas-Mustan’s first major commercial success and marked their entry into mainstream Bollywood filmmaking.
13. Choreography: The song “Baazigar O Baazigar” featured Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s iconic dance sequence, choreographed by Saroj Khan.
14. Cameo Appearance: Anant Mahadevan, who played Ajay’s father in the film, made a cameo appearance as the director of a play in one of the scenes.
15. Censorship Controversy: The film faced some controversy during the censoring process due to its violent and dark theme, but it eventually released with a U/A certificate.
16. Success in South: “Baazigar” was dubbed in Tamil as “Samrat” and in Telugu as “Killer.”
17. Influence on Pop Culture: The film’s iconic theme music and dialogues have become an integral part of pop culture and are still fondly remembered by fans.
18. Released just 42 days before “Darr,” another film where Shahrukh portrayed a villainous character, “Baazigar” proved to be a critical and commercial success. Initially, Sridevi was intended to play a double role as Seema and Priya, but the directors felt that the audience wouldn’t empathize with Shahrukh’s character if he were to kill Sridevi. Hence, Kajol and Shilpa Shetty Kundra were cast in the film.
19. “Baazigar” marked a breakthrough for Shah Rukh Khan, propelling him to stardom. Known for his improvisation skills, SRK added his own touch to several scenes. In one memorable instance, after Seema’s friend Anjali is murdered, he was supposed to dispose of her photograph conventionally. However, he decided to swallow it, giving the scene a realistic and intense touch. Another scene he improvised was the contact lens scene, where he brilliantly built tension as he desperately searched for his dropped lens in the washbasin.
20. Johnny Lever, known for his comedic talent, added many jokes and dialogues to the film himself, as the directors Abbas-Mustan didn’t provide him with a script. Interestingly, Juhi Chawla was offered Shilpa Shetty’s role initially, but she found it too small for her liking.

 

“Baazigar” continues to be remembered as a milestone in Bollywood and remains a favorite among fans for its gripping storyline, brilliant performances, and unforgettable music.