By The Update
Here are five of Shah Rukh Khan’s darkest, most memorable villainous or grey-shade roles. The moments when “hero” mode lost its shine, and we were happy to follow SRK into the bad boy’s shoes. Complete with a “best song” (or most iconic track) for each, because even villains hum.
Baazigar (1993)
Where the Revenge Game Gets Deadly
SRK plays Ajay Sharma, a man who wooed, betrayed, and murdered (yes, murderous SRK in the house!) to avenge his father’s downfall. The twisty plot, moral ambiguity, and SRK’s ability to still be magnetic while doing horrible things made Baazigar an early signature role. This was one of the first times Bollywood saw a hero-actor do “villain with style.” And we’re still haunted by that rooftop scene. Poor Shilpa.
Most Memorable Quote
“Yeh kaali kaali aankhein, yeh baarish ka paani…”
(Well OK, that’s from the song, but it captures the mood: beautiful but dangerous.)
Best Song
“Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein” – this hook is still everywhere.
Darr (1993)
Obsessive, Stammering, Terrifying
In Darr, SRK is Rahul, an obsessive lover whose love turns into stalking, terrorizing, and emotionally unhinged behavior. Like this writer, but with better hair.His stammer on “K-K-K-Kiran” became iconic. He walked the line from “do I root for him?” to “I’m glad it ends badly.” It’s one of his darkest and most chilling performances.
Most Memorable Quote
“K-K-K-Kiran…”
(One of the boldest villain hooks in Bollywood.)
Best Song
“Tu Hai Meri Kiran” / “Jaadu Teri Nazar” — the music softens the horror just a little.
Anjaam (1994)
When Bad Obsession Becomes Pure Psycho
SRK plays Vijay Agnihotri, an obsessive, possessive man whose infatuation flips into darker territory when rejected. Compared to Darr or Baazigar, here there’s almost no redemption – it’s raw, twisted, obsessive. His cruelty and emotional chaos make Anjaam a standout among SRK’s negative turns. And that ending, pow.
Most Memorable Quote
“When I love, I obliterate boundaries.” (Paraphrased; the mania is in his actions.)
Best Song
“Channe Ke Khet Mein” (or similarly haunting tracks from Anjaam) – they carry the weight of obsession.
Ram Jaane (1995)
The Slum Kid Turned Ruthless Antihero
Here he’s unnamed (called Ram Jaane) – a street boy who becomes a hardened criminal. He’s not a stalker this time; he’s shaped by society, desperation, loss. This role shows a different shade: villainy not just from obsession but from environment + betrayal + ambition. It’s gritty, and SRK uses charm sparingly here.
Most Memorable Quote
“Naam Ram Jaane, aur kaam tera farz.”
(His identity is almost a challenge to the world.)
Best Song
“Phenk Hawa Mein Ek Chumma” – even in darkness, there’s that Bollywood glint.
Duplicate (1998)
When You Double the Trouble
In Duplicate, SRK plays two roles: Bablu (innocent) and Manu (criminal). The bad-guy Manu is unhinged and ruthless – using his lookalike to carry out crimes, manipulation, betrayal. Because there’s a contrast, you see more of the darkness in Manu against Bablu’s goodness. It’s like SRK playing both sides of moral failure.
Most Memorable Quote
“Don’t mistake my patience for weakness.”
(Manu’s the kind of villain you fear because he’s calculated and cruel.)
Best Song
“Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam” – the standout
The Update Verdict
Shah Rukh Khan’s early career had its fair share of “bad boy / villain” roles, and it’s in those shades of grey (or full-black) that he proved his range. These roles didn’t just shock; they made people uncomfortable, made people talk, and made SRK synonymous not only with romance but with menace.
