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Shah Rukh Khan’s resilience as a superstar knows no bounds, especially after his blockbuster comeback with Pathaan and Jawan in 2023. However, questions surrounding his ability to sustain his stardom aren’t new. They first erupted in 1999, following the release of Baadshah, a film that many consider to be the Zero of its time.
Baadshah had all the ingredients for success: the powerhouse directing duo Abbas-Mustan, Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, and a mix of action and comedy. Yet, the eponymous film that earned him the iconic title bombed at the box office, leaving many questioning SRK’s place in Bollywood. This wasn’t just another setback; it was a significant moment that would shape the trajectory of his career.
Baadshah’s flawed promotional campaign
By 1999, Shah Rukh Khan was already the undisputed “King of Romance,” with massive hits like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai under his belt. His versatility and charm had made him the heartthrob of millions. However, Baadshah was a departure from his tried-and-tested performances. The film’s promotional campaign had promised an action-packed entertainer, but the reality was a quirky action-comedy that struggled to find its footing.
Audiences, who had grown accustomed to Shah Rukh’s romantic and action films, were disappointed. In a year when dramatic blockbusters like Hum Saath Saath Hain, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Taal were dominating the box office, Baadshah seemed out of place. The film’s misaligned marketing led to expectations of a serious action film, and when viewers were met with a light-hearted comedy instead, the response was underwhelming.
Audience Didn’t Appreciate Shah Rukh’s Vision
Baadshah allowed Shah Rukh Khan to flex his comedic muscles, and it’s evident that he enjoyed the role. He matched his timing with comedy legends like Johnny Lever, Razak Khan, and Saurabh Shukla. However, audiences of that time were more accustomed to seeing their heroes in either romantic or action-packed roles, making it difficult for them to connect with Shah Rukh’s shift to comedy.
Despite its box office failure, Baadshah was an ambitious project for Shah Rukh Khan. He sought to create an entertaining film that differed from the typical Abbas-Mustan thrillers like Baazigar and Darr. In a past interview with Bollywood Hungama, the filmmaker duo revealed that it was SRK’s idea to make Baadshah an out-and-out comedy. They shared, “Shah Rukh liked the concept and suggested we should make it entertaining, even if we have to get into slapstick comedy territory.” SRK’s decision to blend action with comedy was a bold attempt to expand his acting range. Though the film’s execution didn’t quite land as intended, Baadshah found its audience post-release and eventually became one of SRK’s most beloved films after its television premiere.
The Hrithik Roshan Factor
Adding to the pressure was the buzz surrounding Hrithik Roshan’s impending debut. Industry insiders and fans were eagerly anticipating the arrival of this new star kid, with many speculating that his entry could challenge SRK’s reign. While Baadshah still managed to sail through, it was Shah Rukh’s first production, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, released just a week after Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, that truly felt the impact of Hrithik Roshan’s meteoric rise. With the success of Hrithik’s debut and SRK facing back-to-back setbacks with Baadshah, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and Josh, many began predicting the decline of his stardom.
In her 2007 book King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema, Anupama Chopra detailed the immense pressure SRK faced during this period. “It was so wrong,” the book quotes Shah Rukh as saying. “You can’t take away ten years of work. You can’t suddenly tell me one morning, ‘Hey, you’re displaced. You are too old, you are not good enough.’ I couldn’t leave the house without someone asking me what I thought of Hrithik Roshan. It became shameless.”
The Aftermath
The failures of Baadshah and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani dealt a blow to Shah Rukh Khan’s confidence, casting doubt on his ability to succeed outside the romantic and action genres that had previously defined his superstardom. In the wake of these setbacks, Shah Rukh focused on dramatic roles in films like Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Devdas. It wasn’t until 2013, with Chennai Express, that he returned to the action-comedy genre, which proved to be a huge success and remains a fan favourite.
While Baadshah didn’t meet expectations at the time, it is now seen as an example of Shah Rukh’s willingness to take creative risks, even when they don’t always pay off.
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