20 October,2023 12:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Still from DDLJ
Flashback Friday: It's been 28 years since the release of Aditya Chopra's debut directorial 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. It is a film that does not require much of an introduction. Whether you are a millennial or a Gen Z, this is a one film you must have watched or the least, heard of. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's romantic characters Raj and Simran were immortalised as symbols of love through this film. To date, the film continues to screen at the iconic Maratha Mandir in Mumbai. While one cannot imagine anyone else as Raj apart from the ever charming Shah Rukh Khan, the actor himself was not convinced of doing the role initially.
Shah Rukh Khan had rejected the film four times. The actor was not convinced that the audience would accept him in a completely romantic role. Before the 1995 film, Shah Rukh Khan shone with his anti-hero roles in films like 'Baazigar' and 'Darr'.
In the documentary made on DDLJ, Shah Rukh Khan once revealed, "I never wanted to do a romantic role. Because by the time I joined films, I was 26. Normally, romantic films meant that you started off from college and then you work your way up into romance and then run away with a girl or committed suicide with a girl. I thought I was too old to be a romantic hero."
So what finally convinced Khan to become Raj Malhotra on screen? It was Yash Chopra who borderline threatened the actor to save his career with DDLJ. Khan looked up to Yash Chopra like a father figure. The filmmaker told his 'Darr' protege, "You must take up romantic roles on the big screens if you want to survive in the industry."
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Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan was also not the first option of Chopra for the role. Before SRK, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan also refused to take up the role. Saif Ali Khan was also offered the role but did not take up due to date issues.
The film as we know was one of the biggest hits of the year and made a place in the hearts of the audience. From its plot to characters to the music, the film was a hit in every department and manages to make audience heart flutter even today. The film was re-released in theatres last year on Shah Rukh Khan's birthday. Theatres were turned into a festive ground as fans hooted and danced while enjoying the film.
