Set off Warning: The article accommodates references to rape and abuse.
Even after greater than three a long time, Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of Rahul in Yash Chopra’s 1993 movie Darr continues to spark dialogue. Whereas some think about it one among SRK’s strongest performances, others have criticized the movie for glorifying obsession and stalking. Now, the movie’s author, Honey Irani, has shared her perspective, highlighting Rahul’s psychological state and defending the inventive decisions made in crafting the character.
In a latest interview with Friday Talkies, Irani opened up concerning the notorious “Okay-Okay-Kiran” second that turned symbolic of Rahul’s obsession. She defined that Rahul’s stammer wasn’t only a character quirk however a mirrored image of his internal worry and vulnerability. In accordance with her, his voice faltered not out of menace, however as a result of he was scared and emotionally overwhelmed. “Even when he stated her identify, he can be so scared that he would stammer,” she shared, suggesting that Rahul’s worry of rejection and deep psychological instability have been core to his characterization.
Irani went on to emphasise that Rahul was by no means written as a lust-driven sexual predator. As a substitute, she described him as somebody who genuinely believed he was in love. Pointing to a key scene within the movie, she stated that Rahul had alternatives to bodily hurt Kiran however didn’t act on them. “In any other case, he might have raped her once they have been on the boat but it surely wasn’t that,” Irani stated, including that this restraint was intentional and meant to separate love from lust.
She elaborated that each she and Yash Chopra have been cautious to not painting Rahul’s obsession as mere bodily need. They needed audiences to know that Rahul, although dangerously misguided, noticed himself as somebody in love. His phrases within the movie, together with guarantees of marriage and plans to introduce Kiran to his mom, have been written to convey his distorted however honest emotions.
Nevertheless, Irani didn’t deal with the extra troubling points of Rahul’s conduct—his repeated harassment, violent tendencies, and utter disregard for Kiran’s consent and security. At present’s audiences are much more vital of such portrayals, and lots of imagine the movie romanticized a stalker’s viewpoint beneath the guise of affection.
Apparently, the function of Rahul was initially provided to Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol. Irani revealed that Aamir declined the half as a consequence of variations with Chopra, whereas Sunny selected to play the traditional hero as a substitute. Shah Rukh Khan, nevertheless, was instantly drawn to the function and accepted it with out hesitation.
Disclaimer: If you recognize somebody who’s combating abuse, please attain out and report about it. There are a number of helplines accessible for a similar.
Primarily based on what author Honey Irani stated about Shah Rukh Khan’s character Rahul in Darr, do you see him as a detrimental character?
Author Honey Irani known as SRK’s character in Darr a posh man pushed by love, not lust. She highlighted his worry, stammer and restraint. Do you see him as a detrimental character? Vote and tell us!
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