The Baazigar Backlash
Shah Rukh Khan’s career-defining role in Baazigar (1993) wasn’t just a box office gamble—it stirred up some serious tension behind the scenes. The film, which saw SRK play a cold-blooded anti-hero, was a rarity in an era when heroes were expected to be squeaky clean. Many actors had turned down the part, but Shah Rukh embraced the challenge, forever changing Bollywood’s hero template.
However, not everyone was thrilled. Veteran villain Gulshan Grover, famously known as ‘Bad Man,’ had strong opinions about heroes crossing over into negative territory. In a recent conversation with journalist Mayank Shekhar, Grover revealed that he once publicly criticized Shah Rukh for taking on the villain’s role in Baazigar, calling it a ‘shortcut to grab popularity.’ The comment didn’t sit well with the then-rising star.
The Confrontation at Filmistan Studio
According to Shekhar’s column, the confrontation unfolded at Filmistan Studio, where Grover was shooting an action scene with stunt-director Veeru Devgan. Out of nowhere, Shah Rukh Khan arrived on set and charged toward Grover. The two got into an intense argument, with onlookers fearing things might turn physical. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.
Shah Rukh, who had read Grover’s interview, made it clear that he wasn’t in the industry for a quick fix. He told the Bad Man that he was in the game for the long haul as a Bollywood hero, and that taking on the antagonist’s role was purely a ‘personal challenge.’ Grover, to his credit, accepted SRK’s point of view. The confrontation ended without a punch—but it left a lasting impression on both actors.
From Anti-Hero to King of Romance
Interestingly, Baazigar wasn’t Shah Rukh’s last villainous outing. He followed it up with Darr (1993) and Anjaam (1994), both negative roles that showcased his range. But he also balanced it with the lovable rogue act in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994). Then came Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), which cemented his status as the ultimate romantic hero. From there, there was no looking back.
Gulshan Grover, meanwhile, had his own reservations about leading men playing villains—a niche he had mastered. He recalled how some out-of-work heroes would take on negative roles but refuse to get beaten up or humiliated in the climax, compromising the film’s ending. Grover, who had no such ego issues, saw SRK’s approach as a threat to his territory. But as history shows, Shah Rukh’s gamble paid off, and both actors went on to have stellar careers.