The film that launched Shah Rukh Khan, today's Badshah of Bollywood, has a backstory that feels straight out of a screenplay. 'Deewana', the romantic thriller released in 1992, completes a full 34 years today, on June 25. Directed by Raj Kanwar, the film exploded at the box office. Yet here is the twist: the role that turned Shah Rukh into an overnight star was never actually meant for him.
Rishi Kapoor was the first choice
Raj Kanwar had a very different cast in mind when he set out to make 'Deewana'. The first person he approached was Rishi Kapoor, his top pick for the project. Rishi's stardom was at its peak in that era, which is why he was paid a hefty fee of around 10 lakh rupees for the part, an enormous sum by the standards of the time.
Divya Bharti stepped in for Madhuri
For the female lead, the makers first wanted Madhuri Dixit, who was fast becoming one of Bollywood's top heroines. A packed schedule and a lack of dates, however, kept her out of the project. Divya Bharti was then cast on the recommendation of Jatin Rajguru, a close associate of producer Guddu Dhanoa.
Big names came and went, then Armaan Kohli
Once Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti were locked in, the hunt for the second male lead picked up pace. Before Shah Rukh, heavyweights like Sunny Deol, Anil Kapoor, Govinda and South superstar Nagarjuna were all considered for the part. The role eventually went to Armaan Kohli, who signed the film and even shot for a few days. But after a dispute with Shabnam Kapoor, wife of producer Lalit Kapoor, Armaan abruptly walked out of the project.
From television to the big screen
With Armaan gone, the makers suddenly needed a fresh face. At the time Shah Rukh Khan was an unknown quantity in cinema, but he was building a household name through television serials like 'Circus' and 'Dil Dariya'. Raj Kanwar happened to notice his work and was so taken by his screen presence that he himself suggested Shah Rukh's name to the makers. That is how, almost by chance, Shah Rukh found his way into the film.
'Deewana' beat 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman' to release
Those were hectic days for Shah Rukh. Alongside 'Deewana', he was also shooting 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman'. The industry buzz was that 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman' would be his first release and his real entry into Bollywood. Destiny, however, had other plans. Made amid all the chaos, 'Deewana' reached theatres first and became his official debut.
One performance, and a superstar was born
The moment 'Deewana' hit the screens, Shah Rukh won audiences over with his intense acting, distinctive style and remarkable energy. Even alongside established stars like Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti, the newcomer left a deep impression. That powerful performance earned him the Filmfare Best Male Debut award, and Bollywood had found its new superstar.
Three decades of reign, and now 'King'
Shah Rukh Khan never looked back after that, and he has ruled Bollywood for the past three decades. These days he is in the headlines for his upcoming film 'King', directed by Siddharth Anand. His daughter Suhana Khan also plays a key role in it. The action-packed film is set to arrive in theatres this Christmas.
