Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit's Anjaam completes 23 years

While growing up in the 90s, one must have been a fan of tracks, such as, Chane Ke Khet Mein and Badi Mushkil Hai that featured in the film, Anjaam (1994). As the thriller completes 23 years today, director Rawail exclaims in wonder, “Woah! It has been over two decades?”

Going down memory lane, the director reminisces, “Whenever a filmmaker thinks about the film that he has already made, the first thought that comes to his mind is that he could have made it better. I am no different. Anjaam was an interesting project. It feels great when people talk about it even today. I remember when Sutanu Gupta and Gautam Rajadhyaksha approached me with the story, I instantly liked their idea.”

This was the first film, where Madhuri Dixit and Shah Rukh Khan were cast as the lead pair. And after Darr and Baazigar (1993), Shah Rukh was again seen playing a negative role. Talking about the lead pair, Rawail says, “It was wonderful directing them. They were always ready to go to any extent to make their part look convincing. Why just them, I would also like to mention Deepak Tijori [who played Madhuri’s husband in the film]. Not everyone was keen but he agreed and I think Deepak was perfect.”

Talking about the climax, Rawail shares, “The ending was different. Only Shah Rukh’s character was supposed to die But while working, we felt Madhuri’s character must meet the same fate, as that would add to the plot and appeal.”

After Anjaam, Rawail again wanted to work with Shah Rukh and Madhuri, but says he never got script that was good enough for both of them.

Trivia:

1. Shahrukh Khan’s wife, Gauri Khan was one of the costume designers in Anjaam.

2. The song, Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen from Baazigar (1993) is sung multiple times in the film by Johnny Lever, who also starred in Baazigar.

3. For the first time, Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit were cast as the lead pair in this film.

4. The song Barson Ke Baad Aayi Mujhko Yaad, picturised on Madhuri, was shot in one composite shot.

5. Reports claim that lyricist Sameer and music director Anand Milind had composed the song Badi Mushkil Hai for Dil (1990), and after director Indra Kumar the song good enough, they decided to use the song four years later in Anjaam. Refuting such reports, Rahul Rawail says that it’s not true and the song was actually made for his film.

(Trivia courtesy: IMDB and Rahul Rawail)