32 years of Shah Rukh Khan: Did you know Deewana was not supposed to be SRK's debut film?

It has been over three decades since Shah Rukh Khan first burst onto the big screen, with his energy and charisma wooing the world over since then. Khan made his film debut with Deewana, released 32 years ago on June 25, 1992. The film was helmed by Raj Kanwar, and had Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti in the lead. Khan was the second lead in the film, however the film's success and SRK's subsequent releases the same year made him a star. 

Interestingly, SRK was not supposed to be debuting with Deewana. He had reportedly signed five films and SRK's character in Deewana was initially being played by Armaan Kohli, who is best remembered for his stint in reality show Bigg Boss and the film Jaani Dushman.

Shah Rukh Khan was not the first choice for Deewana

Khan was already a bonafide star on TV when he was offered his first film. Having played lead in hit TV shows like Fauji, Doosra Keval and Circus, SRK's Bollywood debut was highly anticipated.

Hema Malini signed Khan first for her directorial venture Dil Aashna Hai. SRK also signed up Aziz Mirza's Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman. Mirza had worked with Khan in the hit TV show Circus. Most had expected Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman to be SRK's debut film. 

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Meanwhile, Rishi Kapoor was the first choice for Deewana. Madhuri Dixit had been reportedly offered the role of female lead but due to her prior commitments, couldn't do it.

Divya Bharti was roped in to play the female lead. It is said that Shah Rukh's character was initially offered to Armaan Kohli who had even begun shooting for the project but owing to personal differences with Shabnam Kapoor (wife of Lalit Kapoor, one of the producers of the film) on the sets of another film Insaaf Ki Devi, Kohli decided to walk out of the project.

SRK was roped in at the last moment.

SRK's role in Deewana

Khan plays Raja, who falls in love with Kajal a widow (Divya Bharti) and marries her only to have her first husband (Rishi Kapoor) come back from the dead. The film had chart-topping numbers like 'Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar' and 'Aisi Deewangi'.
 
The same year, Khan's Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Dil Aashna Hai were also released, and made the actor an overnight star.

Khan's work in these films fetched him the Best Newcomer Award at Filmfare in 1993. 

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Interestingly, Raja's character was offered to multiple actors including Govinda, Sunny Deol and Anil Kapoor before Khan was signed in for the film. He brought exuberance and childlike energy to his role and the rest, as they say, is history. 

In the last three decades, Khan has been part of several blockbuster films in Bollywood including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Darr, Veer Zara, to name a few.

A global phenomenon, his popularity is almost always compared to the likes of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. In 2023, Khan made a marvellous comeback to the big screen after a long gap and delivered three blockbuster films - Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki- which created new box office records globally and has placed- once again- Khan at the top of his game.