Producer Ratan Jain on Discovering Shah Rukh Khan and His Baazigar Brilliance

Producer Ratan Jain recently reflected on his long-standing association with Shah Rukh Khan, tracing back to their first encounter for the 1993 film Baazigar. Jain revealed that he initially approached Salman and Anil Kapoor for the role, but they were either unavailable or uninterested in the script. After observing Shah Rukh Khan's personality in songs from Deewana, Jain met him at the Sea Rock Hotel.

Khans immediate enthusiasm and confidence were striking. Upon hearing the Baazigar narration, he declared, "I will do it, and I can guarantee you that I will be the best for this role." Shah Rukh Khan also demonstrated a unique approach to remuneration, quoting a fee of 20 lakh, significantly higher than his previous films, because he believed Baazigar would be a major success and he would offer "value for money."

This early conviction and business acumen impressed Jain, leading to a handshake agreement that day and marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership that spanned several films.