What If Sridevi Had Played Shah Rukh Khan’s Role in ‘Darr’? A Look at a Game-Changing Possibility
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th August 2024
In the realm of Indian cinema, certain casting choices can profoundly impact a film’s legacy. One such intriguing possibility is the role that was eventually portrayed by Juhi Chawla in the iconic 1993 film Darr. This film, which also featured Sunny Deol and was notable for Shah Rukh Khan’s groundbreaking role as the antagonist, could have taken a radically different turn if Sridevi had accepted the part.
Sridevi, who had already shared screen success with Shah Rukh Khan in the 1989 hit Chandni, was offered the role ultimately played by Juhi Chawla. However, Sridevi had a unique condition for considering the role. She proposed a dramatic shift in the film’s dynamics by suggesting she could play the character from Shah Rukh Khan’s perspective—essentially flipping the script to present an obsessive lover as a woman. This bold move would have marked a significant departure from traditional female roles of that era, showcasing Sridevi’s keen sense for powerful, boundary-pushing performances.
Sridevi’s vision for the role was rooted in her desire to explore new facets of female representation in cinema. Her request to portray a female anti-hero reflects her forward-thinking approach and her willingness to challenge the norms of Bollywood. She reportedly conveyed to Yash Chopra, the film’s director, that while the role of Juhi Chawla was new for her, it was something she had already done multiple times. Her proposal to embody Shah Rukh Khan’s character would have brought a fresh and radical perspective to the film’s narrative.
If Sridevi had indeed taken on this role, it would have undoubtedly represented a monumental shift in how female characters were perceived and portrayed in Indian films. Her presence as a woman driven to the brink of madness by love could have redefined the archetype of female characters in Indian cinema, adding layers of complexity and nuance previously unseen. The sheer thought of Sridevi, with her unparalleled acting prowess, delving into the depths of such a role is fascinating and underscores the potential impact she could have had.
While the film’s legendary “Ka-ka-ka-Kiran” line and Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal became iconic in its own right, Sridevi’s hypothetical version would have opened up new avenues for female leads. It’s compelling to consider how audiences might have reacted to this alternate casting, and how it could have influenced future roles for actresses in the industry.
As we celebrate Sridevi’s birth anniversary, it is a moment to reflect on her illustrious career and the roles she immortalized in cinema. From her unforgettable performances in Nagina, Chandni, Judaai, and Mr. India to her remarkable comebacks in Mom and English Vinglish, Sridevi was a true trailblazer. Her ability to embrace diverse roles and push the envelope in Bollywood remains a testament to her extraordinary talent and legacy.
Though Sridevi never took on the role in Darr, imagining her in such a groundbreaking part only deepens our appreciation for her remarkable career and the indelible mark she left on Indian cinema.
