Shah Rukh Khan’s Take on Villain Roles: ‘If I Play a Bad Guy, I Make Sure He Dies a Dog’s Death’. A Subtle Nod to Animal’s Controversies?”
In a recent speech at a News18 event, Shah Rukh Khan opened up about his experiences playing negative characters in films. Known as the “romance king” of Bollywood, Shah Rukh shared his perspective on portraying antagonists, emphasising the need for accountability in the characters he brings to life on the screen.
During his speech, Shah Rukh expressed his commitment to roles that inspire hope and happiness, stating, “I am a guy who is hopeful and tells happy stories. The heroes I play do good things, they give hope and happiness. If I play a bad guy, I make sure he suffers a lot, he dies a dog’s death because I believe goodness begets goodness. And I believe badness deserves a kick in the backside.”
While Shah Rukh didn’t reference specific films, his comments came in the context of the recent release of Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has faced criticism for its portrayal of toxic relationships, misogyny, and violence. Shah Rukh’s stance on negative roles reflects his belief in characters facing consequences for their actions.
Despite being recognized as the quintessential romantic hero, Shah Rukh Khan has delved into negative characters in earlier films such as Darr, Baazigar, and Anjaam. However, in recent years, he has gravitated towards positive and inspirational roles that align with his vision of spreading optimism.
Shah Rukh Khan’s comments come at a time when Bollywood is witnessing a nuanced exploration of character complexities and societal responsibilities in storytelling. The actor, who received the Indian of the Year 2023 award at the event, remains committed to contributing to the industry with roles that inspire courage and dreams.
In 2023, Shah Rukh had two successful releases, YRF’s Pathaan and Atlee’s Jawan. His most recent film, Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki, competed with Animal at the box office, showcasing the actor’s versatility in selecting diverse roles. Despite varying responses from critics and audiences, Dunki continues to perform well at the box office.
As Shah Rukh Khan continues to make choices aligned with his commitment to positivity on-screen, his remarks shed light on the industry’s evolving narratives and the responsibility actors feel towards the impact of their roles on the audience.
