Raj was unlike anything I had done: SRK

Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has many fond memories of 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDLJ), which completed 25 years recently, but what stands out the most is how the film built his romantic hero image as the actor said that he never felt he could pull off a character like that on the screen.

Directed by then debutant Aditya Chopra, son of veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra, 'DDLJ' cemented Shah Rukh's image as the 'King of Romance' in Bollywood.

The 'Fan' star said, "Raj was unlike anything I had done. Before 'DDLJ', there was 'Darr', 'Baazigar' and 'Anjaam'. These were the films in which I had portrayed negative characters. Also, I always felt that I was not cut out to play any romantic type of character."

"So, when I was presented with the opportunity by Adi and Yash (Chopra) ji of essaying the role, I was excited to work with him but had no idea how to go about it and also if I would be able to do it well," said Shah Rukh in a statement shared by production banner 'Yash Raj Films' (YRF).

The 54-year-old actor said that people can see a glimpse of his real self in Raj, particularly in his sense of humour, which the actor borrowed from his own life.

"Actually, I always felt Adi's love for me made him cast me. I found the character endearing and sweet in the right way. The over-the-topness is my contribution," said Khan.

He added, "It was one of those roles that I realised can do with me using a version of my real self so you might see some quirks, habits and mannerisms that were true to my off-screen persona, especially the sense of humour part."

Though Shah Rukh and Kajol had tasted success as a pair with 'Baazigar' in 1993, it was 'DDLJ' which immortalised them as the ultimate on-screen romantic couple.

'DDLJ', the acronym that the film is known by today, shattered box office records at the time and was the only

film to be still running in Mumbai's Maratha Mandir until recently when COVID-19 forced cinema halls to close in March.