Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is all set for a thumping comeback after a gap of four long years in 2023. While the anticipation among fans is high for Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki, many are unhappy as their matinee idol is missing this Diwali.
For the unversed, SRK has a rich history of hitting the threatres with blockbusters on the festival of lights. But, this year, there is no movie of the superstar to enthrall the audience.
SRK’s rich history with Diwali
Baazigar
SRK’s first Diwali release was Baazigar. The romantic action thriller film, directed by Abbas–Mustan, went on to become a blockbuster. Even SRK grabbed the Filmfare Award under the Best Actor category. Apart from his stellar performance, the movie is remembered for its melodious songs. Shilpa Shetty and Kajol also garnered appreciation for their roles in the movie.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was another classic movie that released on Diwali in 1995. With DDLJ, filmmaker Yash Chopra introduced a new superstar to the B-Town. Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut paved SRK’s path for a glorious journey ahead. The romantic musical drama registered several milestones. Apart from clinching 10 Filmfare Awards, and a National Film Award, the soundtrack album became the most popular of the 1990s. This movie also brought a superstar pairing of SRK and Kajol, which still is loved by movie lovers.
Dil To Pagal Hai
Next, it was Dil To Pagal Hai in 1997 which starred Shah Rukh, Madhuri Dixit, and Karisma Kapoor. The love-triangle story went on to register a thumping success at the box office. After featuring twice opposite Madhuri Dixit, Dil To Pagal Hai was the third movie. Moreover, SRK shared the screen with Karisma for the first time. It went on to become the highest-grossing movie of the year apart from clinching three National Film Awards.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
1998’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai marked the debut of Karan Johar as a director. Movie lovers once again showered love for the romantic pairing of SRK and Kajol. Apart from the lead pairs, Rani Mukerji and Salman Khan’s extended roles in the movie garnered high appreciation. The movie emerged as a blockbuster and clinched several awards including the National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards, and Bollywood Movie Awards.
Mohabbatein
Mohabbatein released in 2000 marked the glorious comeback of Millennium Star Amitabh Bachchan. The movie written and directed by Aditya Chopra, it marked the debut of Uday Chopra, Shamita Shetty, Jimmy Shergil, Kim Sharma, and Preeti Jhangiani. While the Aishwarya Rai and SRK starrer received widespread acclaim from critics. The movie went on to become a blockbuster with the highest-grossing movie of the year and Bollywood got its ‘Angry Old Man’.
Veer Zaara
Next, it was Veer Zaara in 2004 with which Yash Chopra brought SRK and Preity Zinta along with Rani Mukerji. The movie emerged as the highest-grossing flick of the year earning high appreciation for everything. Apart from the appreciation, the soundtrack of the movie created a frenzy across several generations. The flick clinched a National Award and four Filmfare Awards along with seven awards at IIFA.
Don
SRK came up with Don in 2006 alongside Priyanka Chopra. Though the movie was a remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s Don, the movie became a commercially hit. SRK’s Don won the Best Asian Film at the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival. The movie’s soundtrack was also highly appreciated.
Om Shanti Om
The next year (2007), Shah Rukh’s Om Shanti Om introduced another diva Deepika Padukone. The film became a blockbuster and became the highest-grossing film ever at the time of its release. Deepika clinched a Filmfare Award under the Best Female Debut category and the movie was conferred with a National Film Awards under Best Production Design Category. Apart from that, the soundtrack became the highest-selling album of the year. Arjun Rampal also earned appreciation in his antagonist avatar.
Ra. One
Ra. One released in 2011 in which King of Romance was seen as a superhero. The movie was made at a whopping budget of Rs 150 crore, which was the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release. The film faced several controversies and even didn’t do well in India. However, the movie had a good collection overseas. The movie also starred Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal.
Will SRK once again lighten up theatres and stream excitement on Diwali?
The pages of history say that SRK and Diwali have a deep connection. Though moviemakers target different festive occasions with hopes of churning out good collections, SRK remains unbeaten in Diwali. However, following the pandemic situation, SRK has remained silent after his last release in 2018. Zero, also starring Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif, bombed at the box office. Though things have changed now, SRK is still missed on Diwali.
Even SRK’s upcoming movies in 2023 are not scheduled during or close to Diwali. Well, it is certainly quite disheartening for fans and movie lovers. It may also happen that one of the filmmakers of his upcoming films may reschedule at least one movie for 2023 Diwali.