Baazigar

2021-06-29T08:46:16Z

2409:4063:4E0E:8D61:A74F:8C97:6A55:64BC: /* Plot */

{{short description|1993 film by Abbas-Mustan}}
{{For|the tribe|Bazigar}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Baazigar
| image = Baazigar_1993.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Abbas-Mustan]]
| producer = [[Ganesh Jain]] [[Champak Jain]]
| writer = [[Robin Bhatt]] [[Akash Khurana]] [[Javed Siddiqui]]
| starring = [[Shah Rukh Khan]] [[Kajol]] [[Siddharth Ray]] [[Shilpa Shetty]] [[Rakhee Gulzar]] [[Dalip Tahil]] [[Johnny Lever]]
| music = '''Songs:''' [[Anu Malik]]
| cinematography = Thomas A. Xavier
| editing = Hussain M. Burmawala
| studio = [[Venus Records & Tapes|Venus Movies]]
| distributor = [[Eros International]]
| released = {{Film date|df=y|1993|11|12|[[India]]}}
| runtime = 182 minutes
| country = [[India]]
| language = [[Hindi]]
| budget = {{INR}}2 [[crore]]
| gross = {{INR}}14–18 [[crore]]
}}
'''''Baazigar''''' ({{Translation|''[[Gambler]]''}}) is a 1993 Indian [[Bollywood|Hindi]] language [[action thriller film]] directed by [[Abbas–Mustan]] and produced by [[Venus Records & Tapes|Venus Movies]]. It stars [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Kajol]] and [[Dalip Tahil]]; while [[Raakhee]], [[Shilpa Shetty]], [[Siddharth Ray]], and [[Johnny Lever]] appear in supporting roles. It is a contemporary thriller about a young man seeking to avenge the fall of his family. The story is loosely based on [[Ira Levin]]'s 1953 novel ''[[A Kiss Before Dying (novel)|A Kiss Before Dying]]'' and its 1991 film adaptation of the [[A Kiss Before Dying (1991 film)|same name]].<ref>{{cite book|author=M.K. Raghavendra|author-link=M.K. Raghavendra|title=Seduced by the Familiar: Narration and Meaning in Indian Popular Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kiwpDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT258|date=15 December 2014|publisher=OUP India|isbn=978-0-19-908798-3|page=258}}</ref> This was Shah Rukh Khan's [[breakthrough role]] as the sole lead (his first as an [[anti-hero]]), Kajol's first commercial success and Shetty's film debut.<ref>{{Cite web | title = From 'Baazigar' to 'Dilwale' - A look at SRK and Kajol's on-screen magic | work = The Express Tribune | date = 13 June 2015 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://tribune.com.pk/story/902961/from-baazigar-to-dilwale-srk-and-kajol-create-magic-on-screen/ }}</ref> The film also features [[Dalip Tahil]], [[Raakhee]], [[Siddharth Ray]] and [[Johnny Lever]] as other supporting characters with soundtrack composition by [[Anu Malik]].<ref>{{Cite web | title = Rediff On The Net, Movies: An interview with Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty | last = Taliculam | first = Sharmila | work = Rediff.com | date = 4 April 1997 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://www.rediff.com/entertai/apr/04shilpa.htm }}</ref>

''Baazigar'' had a global theatrical premiere on 12 November 1993, coinciding with [[Diwali]].<ref name="fp">{{Cite web | title = Baazigar to Krrish 3: Diwali hits, misses and clashes from Bollywood |work = Firstpost | date = 22 October 2014 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/diwali-bollywood-releases-1744351.html}}</ref> Made on a budget of {{INR}}20 million, the film was declared a super hit at box office with worldwide accumulation of {{INR}}140 million.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Fan trailer tonight: 5 times Shah Rukh Khan wowed us with his 'dark side' | work = Daily News & Analysis | date = 29 February 2016 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-fan-trailer-5-times-shah-rukh-khan-wowed-us-with-his-dark-side-2183908 | language = en }}</ref> Apart from emerging as a major financial success, the film has become a [[cult film]] over years due to its suspense, screenplay, story, music and starcast performances.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Katiyar|first1=Arun|title=What the stars don't foretell|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hindi-film-industry-big-budgets-superstars-no-longer-guarantee-film-performance-at-box-office/1/295381.html|website=India Today|access-date=23 July 2016|date=30 April 1994}}</ref> It helped establish Khan, Kajol, Shetty and Malik in Bollywood and the soundtrack has sold over 10{{nbsp}}million units.<ref name="indiatoday"/>

The film earned 10 nominations at [[39th Filmfare Awards]] ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-02-26|title=rediff.com: Shah Rukh's best movies!|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/18sld4.htm|access-date=2021-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226122111/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/18sld4.htm|archive-date=26 February 2008}}</ref> It won [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], Best Screenplay, Best Music and [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] for Khan.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Shah Rukh Khan Filmfare Awards 1992 - 2009 | work = YouTube | date = 30 May 2009 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM_0MOl7bNM}}</ref> A [[Telugu language|Telugu]] remake, ''Vetagadu'', was released in 1995,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/interview_tammareddy.html|title=Telugu Cinema Etc - Idlebrain.com|website=www.idlebrain.com}}</ref> before a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] remake, ''[[Samrat (1997 film)|Samrat]]'', was released in 1997 and a [[Kannada]] remake, ''[[Nagarahavu (2002 film)|Nagarahavu]]'', was released in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/nagarahavu-naagarahaavu-aka-shivanagam-movie-review-live-audience-response-699468|title=Nagarahavu aka Shivanagam movie review: Live audience response|first=Prakash|last=Upadhyaya|date=14 October 2016|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}}</ref>

==Plot==
Ajay Sharma has grown up to seek revenge for his father's death caused by Madan Chopra, a rich businessman who has two daughters namely Seema and Priya.

Ajay begins a secret relationship with Seema. Madan takes part in his last car race only to learn that another participant Vicky, who Ajay assumes the role as, let him win on purpose to meet him.

Madan is impressed with him; Priya falls in love with him. This way, Ajay dates both daughters in different identities. Later, he asks Seema to commit suicide with him when Madan arranges her marriage with someone else.

They write and sign suicide notes, but he lies that he was testing her and rips up his note while keeping hers. They plan wedding at registrar's office the next day.

However while waiting for the office to open, Ajay takes Seema to roof of the building and pushes her off, murdering her. He then discreetly mails her suicide note to her home.

Madan hastily orders the case closed to prevent further embarrassment. Suspecting Seema cannot do suicide, Priya secretly continues the investigation with Inspector Karan Saxena.

Seema's colleague Ravi who had a crush on her, tells Priya that he has a photo of Seema with Ajay at a party back at his hostel. Before she can reach Ravi to see photo, Ajay finds out and murders him.

In their struggle he forces him to sign a suicide note which makes it appear as Ravi is Seema's murderer. The investigation is halted a second time. Meanwhile Ajay, posing as 'Vicky', slowly wins Madan's confidence.

In past, Madan was a project manager in the company run by Ajay's late father Vishwanath who got Madan imprisoned for 3 years upon knowing he was embezzling money.

After Madan completed his jail term, he apologized and Vishwanath's wife Shobha persuaded him to re-employ Madan. However unbeknownst to anyone, Madan had returned to exact revenge.

One day, Vishwanath was going on a business trip so he handed the power of attorney to Madan who used this to become the company's owner. Vishwanath learns of this after return but it got late.

His family was ejected from their palatial home after Madan took a loan on Vishwanath's name. Ajay witnessed Madan eve-teasing Shobha when she came to ask for their home back.

She subsequently cursed him to tragedy and helplessness later on in life. Heartbroken, Ajay vowed to make Madan pay. Ajay's only mission in life now became the downfall of Madan.

Back in the present, Seema's friend Anjali meets Priya and Ajay at a shop. She also discovers a photo of Seema and Ajay at her party. Priya and 'Vicky' get engaged.

Anjali tries to warn Chopras that Ajay is 'Vicky'. Ajay arrives at her place and kills her, stuffing her body in suitcase and throwing in a river. History repeats itself as Madan hands over attorney power to 'Vicky'.

However a man and his dog find the body and Priya realizes that the killer is alive. Ajay hastens his plans realising Priya is hellbent on finding the killer and he has fallen in love with her.

His plans hit a glitch when he and Priya run into real Vicky, Ajay's friend whose identity he took which makes Priya suspicious. Madan is shocked to know the company is run by Sharma group after returning from his trip.

Ajay reveals the truth of his desire to seek revenge and kicks Madan out. Priya learns Ajay's truth from Vicky and rushes to his Panvel home. She is shocked to see a marriage locket in photos of him with Seema.

Ajay comes home; Priya confronts him with his misdeeds. He then reveals her his story, telling her due to the poverty Madan gave his family, Vishwanath died of a heart attack and a 2 year-old sister died of illness.

Shobha went into a state of shock as a result of the loss of Vishwanath and their daughter, and in her mental instability she is unable to Ajay as her son.

Priya realizes that it is Madan who is at fault as Ajay introduces her to Shobha. Madan arrives, shoots Ajay and gets him beaten by goons.
Soon Shobha returns to her senses and Madan injures her, angering Ajay.

He fights the goons viciously and is about to kill Madan when Karan persaudes him to have mercy for Shobha's sake. Madan takes the opportunity to stab him with a rod.

Ajay laughs and impales Madan with the same rod, killing him. He collapses in Shobha's arms. Priya, Karan and Shobha watch despondently as Ajay dies of his injuries, finally at peace.

==Cast==
* [[Shah Rukh Khan]] as Ajay Sharma / Vicky Malhotra (Fake) — Vishwanath and Shobha's son, Seema's murderer boyfriend, and Priya's fiancé
* [[Kajol]] as Priya Chopra — Madan Chopra's younger daughter, Seema's younger sister, and Vicky's fiancé
* [[Shilpa Shetty]] as Seema Chopra — Madan Chopra's elder daughter, Priya's elder sister, and Ajay's girlfriend who gets murdered by him for revenge on Madan Chopra
* [[Rakhee Gulzar]] as Shobha Sharma — Ajay's mother and Vishwanath's widowed wife
* [[Dalip Tahil]] as Madan Chopra — Seema and Priya's father, Vishwanath's employee, and Vishwanath's killer
* [[Siddharth Ray]] as Inspector Karan Saxena — Priya's friend
* [[Johnny Lever]] as Babulal — Servant of Chopra Household
* [[Anant Mahadevan]] as Vishwanath Sharma — Ajay's father who dies after a sudden heart attack that was a plan created by Madan Chopra
*[[Prithvi Zutshi]] as Desai- Company employee of Madan Chopra
* [[Resham Tipnis]] as Anjali Sinha — Seema's friend
* [[Daboo Malik]] as Ravi Shukla — Seema's friend and obsessive lover
* [[Dinesh Hingoo]] as Bajodia Seth
* [[Manmauji Taalia]] as the servant
* [[Adi Irani]] as The real Vicky Malhotra
* [[Sumeet Pathak]] as Young Ajay Sharma
* [[Sharad Sankla]] as Charlie (a guy in party)
* [[Raju Srivastav]] as a guy in party with Charlie
* [[Harpal Singh (actor)]] as Motu the cook
* [[Amrut Patel]] as Seema's driver
* [[Anu Malik]] as the musician at the engagement

==Production==
The film's premise is a subversion of a concept loosely inspired by a Hollywood film, ''[[A Kiss Before Dying (1991 film)|A Kiss Before Dying]]'' (1991), which itself was based on a novel of [[A Kiss Before Dying (novel)|the same name]]. While it borrows the basic premise, ''Baazigar'' tells a different, subversive story. While [[Matt Dillon]]'s character in ''A Kiss Before Dying'' is a [[villain]] who murders for money, ''Baazigar'' subverts this, with Shah Rukh Khan's character instead being a sympathetic [[anti-hero]] seeking vengeance for the brutal injustices done to his family.<ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite web | title = Baazigar: The rise and fall of Shah Rukh, Kajol and Shilpa Shetty | last = Iyer | first = Meena | work = The Times of India | date = 14 July 2014 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Baazigar-The-rise-and-fall-of-Shah-Rukh-Kajol-and-Shilpa-Shetty/articleshow/38407403.cms}}</ref>

Several A-list Bollywood stars were approached for the lead role, but they turned it down, due to the character being a murderous, negative anti-hero. [[Salman Khan]] was the first choice, but he turned it down, with his father [[Salim Khan]] saying Salman was not ready for such a gamble. [[Anil Kapoor]] and [[Akshay Kumar]] was the next choice, but he also rejected the offer, as it went against his "heroic" on-screen image. Shah Rukh Khan eventually convinced producer Ratan Jain that only he could pull off the role; Jain liked his confidence, and cast him in the role. However, his casting was criticized by trade pundits who incorrectly predicted that "a boy with cute dimples" would never be accepted as an anti-hero.<ref name="timesofindia"/>
[[Sridevi]] was supposed to play both female roles (twin sisters) as did [[Sean Young]] in original film, but the director realized that because of her popularity, the audience will not be able to sympathize with the hero if he kills the character played by Sridevi, hence they decided to cast different actresses.<ref name="sridevi">{{Cite web | title = Roles Rejected by Sridevi | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Baazigar-The-rise-and-fall-of-Shah-Rukh-Kajol-and-Shilpa-Shetty/articleshow/38407403.cms}}</ref>

==Music==
The music was composed by [[Anu Malik]] and won him the [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director]].<ref name="IT">{{Cite web | title = I dont want other music directors to catch up with me: Anu Malik | work = India Today | date = 15 November 1994 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/i-am-an-inspired-director-anu-malik/1/294398.html | language = en-us}}</ref> The song "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein" bagged singer [[Kumar Sanu]] his fourth consecutive [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] after ''[[Aashiqui]]'', ''[[Saajan]]'' and ''[[Deewana (1992 film)|Deewana]]''.<ref name="BS">{{Cite web | title = Melody will return to Bollywood songs: Kumar Sanu | author = Press Trust of India | work = Business Standard | date = 13 August 2012 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/melody-will-return-to-bollywood-songs-kumar-sanu-112081300350_1.html }}</ref> Other singers featured in the album are [[Asha Bhosle]], [[Pankaj Udhas]], [[Alka Yagnik]], [[Vinod Rathod]] and Sonali Vajpai. The soundtrack was released by [[Venus Records & Tapes|Venus Music]].<ref>{{Cite web | title = Anu Malik and Shah Rukh Khan: Sharing more than birthdays | last = Vijayakar | first = Rajiv | work = Bollywoodhungama.com | date = 4 November 2015 | access-date = 2016-07-23 | url = http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/9224/ }}</ref> Dr. Alban's song "It's My life" was also featured.

A soundtrack was also released in Marathi. The film's [[soundtrack album]] sold 10{{nbsp}}million units,<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite news |title=Bollywood hinges on Hindi film music industry, fans soak up wacky new sounds |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/19941115-bollywood-hinges-on-hindi-film-music-industry-fans-soak-up-wacky-new-sounds-809899-1994-10-31 |access-date=17 July 2013 |work=[[India Today]] |date=31 October 1994}}</ref> making it the best-selling [[Bollywood soundtrack]] album of 1993.<ref>{{cite web |title=Music Hits 1990-1999 (Figures in Units) |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=284&catName=MTk5MC0xOTk5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205042906/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=284&catName=MTk5MC0xOTk5 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 February 2010 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=5 February 2010}}</ref> The soundtrack " Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein" was inspired by the African hit "Yeke Yeke" and others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/carbon-copy-baazigar-shah-rukh-khan-guaglione|title=How A 1956 Italian Song Became A Shah Rukh Khan Song In 1993}}</ref>

{{Infobox album
| name = Baazigar
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Anu Malik]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 1993
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack]]
| length =
| label = [[Venus Records & Tapes|Venus Music]]
| producer =
| prev_title = [[Phool Aur Angaar]]
| prev_year = 1993
| next_title = [[The Gentleman (1994 film)|The Gentleman]]
| next_year = 1994
}}

===Track listing===
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column2 = Lyricist(s)
| title1 = Baazigar O Baazigar
| lyricist1 = Nawab Arzoo
| extra1 = [[Kumar Sanu]], [[Alka Yagnik]]
| length1 = 07:31
|
| title2 = Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein
| lyricist2 = Dev Kohli
| extra2 = Kumar Sanu, [[Anu Malik]]
| length2 = 07:53
|
| title3 = Kitabein Bahut Si
| lyricist3 = Zafar Gorakhpuri
| extra3 = [[Asha Bhosle]], [[Vinod Rathod]]
| length3 = 06:28
|
| title4 = Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata
| lyricist4 = Rani Malk
| extra4 = Vinod Rathod
| length4 = 07:01
|
| title5 = Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata
| note5 = Not in Film
| lyricist5 = Rani Malik
| extra5 = [[Pankaj Udhas]]
| length5 = 05:31
|
| title6 = Samajh Kar Chand Jis Ko
| note6 = Not in Film
| lyricist6 = Zameer Kazmi
| extra6 = Vinod Rathod, Alka Yagnik
| length6 = 08:53
|
| title7 = Aye Mere Humsafar
| lyricist7 = Gauhar Kanpuri
| extra7 = Vinod Rathod, Alka Yagnik
| length7 = 07:29
|
| title8 = Tere Chehre Pe
| note8 = Not in Film
| lyricist8 = Rani Malik
| extra8 = Kumar Sanu, Sonali Vajpai
| length8 = 07:09
|
|total_length = 57:51
}}

==Box office==
''Baazigar'' was a commercial success and the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of 1993, below another Shah Rukh Khan film, ''[[Darr]]''.<ref name=boi>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName= |title=Box Office 1993 |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=2 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814154929/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName=|archive-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> ''Baazigar''{{'}}s collections in India were {{INR|7.75 [[crore]]}} nett and {{INR|14 crore}} gross,<ref name=boi/> equivalent to {{INRConvert|{{#expr:14*(1914360020/107375000) round 0}}|c}} adjusted for inflation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Darr - Movie (1993 inflation rate) |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3320 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>

==Accolades==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! Award
! Category
! Recipients and Nominees
! Results
|-
|rowspan="10"|[[39th Filmfare Awards]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|[[Shah Rukh Khan]]
|rowspan="4" {{won}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Direction]]
|[[Anu Malik]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
|[[Kumar Sanu]] for "Yeh Kali Kali Aankhein"
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]
|[[Robin Bhatt]], [[Javed Siddiqui]], [[Akash Khurana]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Lux New Face Award|Lux New Face]]
|[[Shilpa Shetty]]
|rowspan="6" {{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
|[[Shilpa Shetty]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role|Best Performance in a Comic Role]]
|[[Johnny Lever]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]]
|Dev Kholi for "Yeh Kali Kali Aankhein"
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
|[[Kumar Sanu]] for "Baazigar, O Baazigar"
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]]
|[[Alka Yagnik]] for "Baazigar, O Baazigar"
|}

==Influence==
The later [[Hollywood films]] ''[[Almost Famous]]'' (2000) and ''[[Baywatch (film)|Baywatch]]'' (2017) had strikingly similar posters to ''Baazigar''. The posters of the two films feature [[Kate Hudson]] and [[Priyanka Chopra]], respectively, wearing sunglasses that reflect other cast members, similar to the sunglasses Shah Rukh Khan wears on the poster for ''Baazigar''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Did Baywatch copy the poster featuring Priyanka Chopra from Shah Rukh Khan's Baazigar and Kate Hudson's Almost Famous?|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/baywatch-copy-poster-featuring-priyanka-chopra-shah-rukh-khans-baazigar-kate-hudsons-almost-famous/|work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|date=20 April 2017}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Portal|Bollywood|1990s}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0106333}}
{{Abbas-Mustan}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Films scored by Anu Malik]]
[[Category:1993 films]]
[[Category:1993 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:1990s romantic thriller films]]
[[Category:1990s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Abbas–Mustan]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films based on thriller novels]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Indian crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Hindi films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films based on works by Ira Levin]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Robin Bhatt]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Akash Khurana]]
[[Category:Films about identity theft]]
[[Category:Indian romantic thriller films]]

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Baazigar