Shah Rukh Khan, fondly known as the “King of Bollywood,” is renowned for his charismatic screen presence and ability to effortlessly slip into varied roles. Among his many accomplishments, his portrayal of double roles in several films stands out as a testament to his versatility. In these movies, SRK has showcased his mastery of embodying two distinct characters, each with its own personality and depth. Here’s a look at the films where SRK played double roles:
1. Duplicate (1998)
In this action-comedy directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan portrayed two contrasting characters- Bablu Chaudhary, a lovable and innocent chef, and Manu Dada, a dangerous gangster. The story revolves around mistaken identities, with SRK brilliantly balancing the humour of Bablu and the menace of Manu. His dual performance added charm and excitement to the film.
2. Karan Arjun (1995)
Directed by Rakesh Roshan, this reincarnation drama saw SRK and Salman Khan playing brothers who are brutally murdered and later reborn to avenge their de*ths. Shah Rukh Khan played Arjun and his reincarnated self, Vijay. The movie’s theme of familial bonds and justice struck a chord with audiences and SRK’s emotional intensity elevated the narrative.
3. Paheli (2005)
In this unique fantasy film by Amol Palekar, Shah Rukh played Kishan, a traditional and pragmatic husband, and his doppelgänger, a ghost who falls in love with Kishan’s wife, Lachchi (played by Rani Mukerji). SRK captured the contrasting traits of the characters – the ghost’s passionate love and Kishan’s practicality – adding depth to this folklore-inspired story.
4. Don (2006)
Farhan Akhtar’s modern take on the classic “Don” gave Shah Rukh Khan the opportunity to play dual roles – Don, the suave and ruthless criminal mastermind, and Vijay, a simple street performer impersonating Don. SRK’s seamless transition between the two roles earned critical acclaim.
5. Om Shanti Om (2007)
This reincarnation drama, directed by Farah Khan, features Shah Rukh Khan as Om Prakash Makhija, a struggling junior artist from the 1970s, and Om Kapoor (OK), a successful superstar in the present day. The film skillfully juxtaposes the simplicity of Om Prakash with the flamboyance of OK, with SRK delivering an unforgettable performance in both the avatars.
6. Ra.One (2011)
In this sci-fi action film directed by Anubhav Sinha, SRK played Shekhar Subramanium, a nerdy and endearing game developer, and G.One, a humanoid superhero created to combat the villain Ra.One. The stark differences between the human Shekhar and the robotic yet heroic G.One showcased SRK’s ability to handle contrasting characters in a single narrative.
7. Fan (2016)
In Maneesh Sharma’s psychological thriller, SRK portrayed Aryan Khanna, a Bollywood superstar, and Gaurav Chandna, his obsessive fan. The film explored the complexities of fame and fandom, with SRK delivering a transformative performance as Gaurav, whose obsession turns dangerous. His portrayal of the composed Aryan and the unhinged Gaurav was widely praised.
8. Jawan (2023)
In this blockbuster action drama directed by Atlee, Shah Rukh played dual roles as Vikram Rathore, a former soldier, and his son Azad Rathore, a vigilante. The film revolves around their shared mission to fight injustice. SRK’s commanding presence as both father and son added emotional depth and gravity to the high-octane narrative.
9. English Babu Desi Mem (1996):
In English Babu Desi Mem, Shah Rukh Khan played triple roles, one of father and twin roles of brothers Gopal and Hari. Directed by Praveen Nischol, the movie failed to perform well at the box-office but it is one of those rare movies in which one actor plays more than two roles.
Shah Rukh Khan’s ability to bring nuance and individuality to each of his dual roles has left an indelible mark on Bollywood. Whether playing a reincarnated soul, a gangster and his double, or even a superhero, SRK continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional range and talent. These films stand as a testament to his status as one of India’s greatest cinematic icons.
