Shah Rukh Khan, who entered the hearts of Indians through the Doordarshan series Fauji and went on to capture the attention of the entire world with back-to-back cult-classics, making everyone fall in love with him. He’s truly one of a kind, loved by every generation, from kids to seniors. But where did the ‘King’ tag come from, making it synonymous with the superstar reigning as the king of Indian cinema? As we celebrate the silver jubilee of a movie that captivated the world, it’s 25 years of Baadshah, the film that earned SRK the title of ‘King’.
Baadshah, released in 1999, was a movie that perfectly aligned with Shah Rukh Khan’s growing stardom. Directed by the celebrated filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan and penned by Neeraj Vora and Shyam Goel, the film brought together an impressive cast, including Twinkle Khanna, Amrish Puri, Johnny Lever, Rakhee Gulzar and more. However, despite the star-studded ensemble, it was Shah Rukh Khan who truly shone, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
The title of the film, which means ‘King’, was more than just a name. It encapsulated the essence of Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen persona. The movie’s music, composed by the legendary Anu Malik, played a significant role in shaping the film’s legacy. In particular, the title track ‘Baadshah O Baadshah’ became an anthem of the superstar, celebrating Shah Rukh’s charisma and his undeniable appeal. The song was not just popular, it became synonymous with SRK’s image as a larger-than-life figure.
Anu Malik once shared an interesting anecdote about how the title track came to be. He recalled humming a tune to Shah Rukh Khan during a flight, with different words at the time. Shah Rukh instantly loved the tune and when the idea of using the word ‘Baadshah’ came up, it just clicked. Abbas-Mustan, the directors, felt it was the perfect fit for the title track. According to Malik, this song played a pivotal role in Shah Rukh Khan earning the monikers ‘King Khan’ and ‘Baadshah’.
Reflecting on the film’s success, Anu Malik expressed his joy at the continued relevance of Baadshah even after 25 years. He emphasized that the movie was a team effort, where everything fell into place perfectly, from the star cast to the music. Malik also noted that it’s not every day that a film remains cherished for a quarter of a century and he is proud to have created music that continues to resonate with people.
Baadshah stands as a testament to Shah Rukh Khan’s enduring appeal and his rightful place as Bollywood’s ‘King’. Even after 25 years, the film reminds us why Shah Rukh Khan is revered as ‘Baadshah’ and why his reign in Bollywood is unparalleled. His other iconic roles in films like Baazigar, Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chak De! India, Pathaan, Jawan and more have further solidified his legacy.
As we look back on 25 Years of ‘Baadshah’, it’s clear that Shah Rukh Khan’s legacy as the ‘King of Bollywood’ is here to stay. The film not only crowned him with this title but also continues to inspire new generations of fans and filmmakers alike.
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