The path to superstardom is rarely a straight line, and for Shah Rukh Khan, it involved a film called Baazigar, a 1993 thriller that initially saw rejections from several established stars.

Before Shah Rukh Khan stepped into the shoes of the anti-hero Ajay Sharma, the role was offered to Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. Both actors reportedly turned it down, deeming the character too negative. Salman Khan, at the time, was focused on family-oriented roles. Akshay Kumar was building his image as an action star. Anil Kapoor was also approached but didn't want to play a negative character.

The double role for Sridevi was also considered but didn't work out.

Ultimately, the script landed on Shah Rukh Khan's table. According to screenwriter Robin Bhatt, SRK had one condition before signing on. The specific condition was not mentioned. Directors Abbas-Mustan narrated the story to Shah Rukh Khan, and he immediately embraced the role.

Baazigar was a turning point in Shah Rukh Khan's career, marking his first foray into playing an anti-hero. The film, directed by Abbas-Mustan, also starred Kajol and marked Shilpa Shetty's debut. Made on a budget of ₹40 million, Baazigar grossed over ₹320 million, becoming a major box office success. Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of a character with shades of grey resonated with audiences, paving the way for him to redefine the Bollywood hero.

While Baazigar cemented Shah Rukh Khan's position as a rising star, Sridevi and Shah Rukh Khan acted together in the 1996 action film Army, where SRK made a special appearance.

Baazigar's success highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry and how a single decision can alter the course of a career. The film's initial rejections ultimately paved the way for Shah Rukh Khan to seize the opportunity and deliver a performance that would earn him the "superstar" tag.