Looking back, it feels as if SRK making his debut with ‘Deewana’ and rising to overnight fame was all written in destiny.
You’ve probably seen this post on social media. "Three decades ago, a boy rode a bike onscreen singing Koi Na Koi Chahiye Pyaar Karne Wala, and today, the whole world loves him." Actually, every story about SRK’s debut has to begin there, because his journey feels straight out of a fairytale. A middle-class boy from Delhi came to Mumbai with nothing but dreams and ended up rewriting the script of stardom. Of course, there was passion and hard work, but there was also something more. And that was destiny. Because 'Deewana', the film that launched him and marked the beginning of his journey, wasn’t even meant to be his.
Today, as we celebrate 33 years of Shah Rukh Khan in Bollywood (33 years since 'Deewana' hit the screens) let’s go back to that twist of destiny that changed everything.
Believe it or not, Shah Rukh Khan wasn’t the obvious pick for 'Deewana'. In fact, he wasn’t even on the radar initially. Back in the early ’90s, director Raj Kanwar had already locked in Rishi Kapoor and a young Divya Bharti for the lead roles. The search was on for the second male lead, which would eventually change SRK’s life. But at that moment, it belonged to actor Avinash Wadhawan. As he recalled later, Raj Kanwar came to him personally with the offer. The film had two heroes, he was told. Rishi Kapoor was already signed, and the team was keen on casting him alongside Divya Bharti.
But Avinash wasn’t convinced. “The second hero enters only around the interval,” he remembered thinking. “The entire first half belongs to Rishi ji and Divya. I was doing solo-hero projects then, and I felt Rishi ji would appear older opposite me.”
It was then that Divya Bharti, who already knew Khan from before, stepped in. Sensing potential in the Delhi boy trying to make his mark in Mumbai, she introduced him to Raj Kanwar. The role that no one else wanted suddenly became the launchpad for a superstar.
Now the second twist is that even after being offered the role, Shah Rukh Khan declined it. At the time, he had already signed five films: 'Chamatkar', 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa', 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman', 'Dil Aashna Hai', and 'King Uncle'. With a packed schedule and no releases yet, SRK didn’t want to add another film to his plate.
“tere dard se dil aabaad raha
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) June 25, 2020
kuch bhool gaye kuch yaad raha”
Shah Rukh Khan & Rishi Kapopr in DEEWANA : released 28 years ago on 26th June today 1992@iamsrk’s debut release pic.twitter.com/njPjXxiFAR
Credit: Film History Pics
Producer Guddu Dhanoa recalled his disappointment after their first meeting: “I told Shah Rukh I wanted to sign him for ‘Deewana’. He said he had no dates. I was shocked. He hadn’t even had a single release yet, but he was already booked. Still, I was blown away by his energy and presence.”
Destiny, though, had its own plan. About a month later, the shoot for 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman' got postponed, suddenly freeing up SRK’s schedule. Without wasting time, he reached back out and agreed to do 'Deewana'.
'Deewana' turned out to be SRK's debut film (as per theatrical release). And when it hit the screens, audiences took notice of the new man. His screen presence made an immediate impact, winning him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
Credit: Ishtar Music
So yes, 'Deewana' was never meant to be Khan's. And he wasn't the main lead of the film. But he grabbed all the spotlight. SRK himself has often credited his career not just to hard work, but to timing and luck. And as he said, "Bade bade deshon mein aaisi choti choti baatein ... hoti rehti hai."
