Portrayed a terrifyingly overprotective brother and antagonist.
Comparative notes (brief)
, a street-wise singer from Rajasthan, who travels to Mumbai with his father, Shambunath Chaahat 1996 -Hindi- Shah Rukh Khan-Pooja Bhatt...
The story follows (Shah Rukh Khan), a small-town singer who travels to Mumbai to seek medical treatment for his ailing father, Shambunath (Anupam Kher). To pay for the expensive surgery, Roop takes a job at a luxury hotel owned by the powerful Ajay Narang (Naseeruddin Shah).
Enter the villain of the piece: as Shankar , a wealthy, eccentric, and dangerously obsessed music baron. Shankar isn't your typical 90s villain with a loud laugh and a gun. He is chillingly sophisticated. He saves Roop’s father’s life through a risky surgery, but his generosity comes with a Faustian price: In return for his father’s life, Roop must give up Pooja. Shankar wants her for himself. Enter the villain of the piece: as Shankar
Critics in 1996 had mixed feelings. Some found the narrative too dark or the ending too violent. However, looking back, Chaahat stands out because it wasn't afraid to show the ugly side of love. It showed that love isn't just about winning; sometimes, it's about surviving.
Chaahat is an interesting misfire. It features solid performances, especially from Naseeruddin Shah, and a good soundtrack. But its confused morality—stalking dressed up as romance—makes it a hard watch today. Fans of Shah Rukh Khan might want to see his attempt at a gray character, but for a better exploration of obsession and love, watch Darr or Anjaam instead. Chaahat remains a curiosity: a film that wants to critique desire but ends up being consumed by it. He saves Roop’s father’s life through a risky
: A melodious title track sung by Vinod Rathod and Alka Yagnik.