Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992)

As a newcomer in the industry, Shah Rukh Khan made quite a mark in this socio drama which highlighted important issues like corruption. SRK played a small town boy who comes to Mumbai in search of a job and changes due to greed, money power and wealth.
Directed by Aziz Mirza, the film had soulful music and had memorable performances by Juhi Chawla, Nana Patekar, Amrita Singh and of course, SRK.

Maya Memsaab (1993)

The film was in the making for several years but eventually released in 1993. One of the first few films that Shah Rukh had signed, the film had him playing a maverick lover of an older woman (played by Deepa Sahi). Directed by award winning director Ketan Mehta, the film had some bold love making scenes shot on Deepa and Shah Rukh. Shah Rukh vowed never to do such scenes again in his career.

Baazigar (1993)

Loosely based on the novel ‘A Kiss Before Dying’, the film had Shah Rukh playing an ambiguous hero who wooed two sisters at the same time, killed one of them to seek revenge from their father who had wronged his family decades back. Shah Rukh played a smooth, charming killer with élan in this film.

Darr (1993)

It is believed that both Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan had been approached to play the role of Rahul, and both these actors had turned down the offer. Their loss was SRK’s gain because till date, the role is considered one the best by the actor. As the psychotic lover of Kiran (Juhi Chawla), he re invented the anti hero in Indian cinema. The film also made critics and filmmakers notice the actor’s talent.

Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1993)

As the college dropout Sunill, SRK won hearts of people. Set in picturesque Goa, the film was a simple tale of a loser who wants to pursue a music career much to the discomfort of his father. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the film is still remembered for Shah Rukh’s simpleton act. Year’s later, SRK himself admitted that the film was one his favourites.

Dil Se (1998)

Yes, it was a love story and SRK did play a romantic hero but with a difference. Director Mani Ratnam did not make him romance his heroine in Switzerland for which SRK had become popular. Instead the story was based in India, with the ULFA movement and Northeast India as the backdrop. Manisha Koirala and Preity Zinta never looked this breathtaking in any other film of theirs.

Hey Ram (2000)

SRK was at the peak of his career when he did a cameo in Kamal Haasan’s historical drama ‘Hey Ram’. It was quite commendable for SRK to take such a bold step and do such a different role at such a phase in his career. Set in the 1940s, SRK played the role of a liberal Pathan (Muslim) who dissuades his friend Saket (Kamal Haasan) from becoming a radical.

Asoka (2001)

Several eyebrows were raised when SRK played the title role of Emperor Ashoka in this Santosh Sivan film. Although the film did not do well at the Box Office, Shah Rukh surely took a bold step in taking up a role which was historically an important character.

Swades (2004)

Ashutosh Gowarikar roped in the superstar to play an NRI who rediscovers his country and decides to stay back to work for the sake of society. Shah Rukh’s sensitive portrayal of Mohan won hearts of the critics.

Paheli (2005)

Known for playing the urban metro sexual man in most of his films, SRK took a u turn in ‘Paheli’ when he played a village bumpkin who gets married to a beautiful village girl (Rani). The film had the star playing a rustic simpleton and a charismatic ghost madly in love with Rani’s character.

Don: The Chase begins Again (2006)

Remake of the 70s cult classic ‘Don’ starring Big B, the new version was directed by Farhan Akhtar. Many felt that SRK was taking a big risk by doing a role that was played with panache by Amitabh Bachchan, but Shah Rukh gave the character his own touch making the film a sleek thriller. It was also after a long time that SRK was portraying a grey character much to his fans` delight.

Chak de! India (2007)

The superstar had no heroines to romance, no songs to croon and action stunts to prove his starry status. Yet, his portrayal of a failed hockey player who takes on the job to coach India’s women’s hockey won hearts of millions and also got the cash register ringing. SRK’s restrained performance in the film was a first for the actor perhaps and he did a brilliant job in the film.

By Shomini Sen