While Duplicate featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the dual role of Manu and Bablu, released on May 8, 1998 was a non-starter at the box-office, there are legendary behind-the-scenes stories of how director Mahesh Bhatt was scarcely on the set, as he was at his peak directing multiple projects, unable to focus on any.
It reminded one of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who at one point of time, was directing two Dharmendra starrers Chaitali and Chupke Chupke on two floors of Film City. Likewise, Mahesh Bhatt was directing Tammanna, Angaaray, and Duplicate at the same time. The consequences were disastrous. Producer Yash Johar, who launched Dharma Production with Duplicate, lost a humongous amount of money.
Mahesh Bhatt expresses deep regret at the Duplicate fiasco in this interview with Subhash K Jha.
Bhatt Saab, Duplicate was an experience you would rather not remember?
The only time you don’t feel like a filmmaker is when you’re not in control of your own destiny. Those were the days when whatever I touched turned into a wasteland. Reflecting on the 27th anniversary of Duplicate, it’s been a journey marked by both triumphs and tribulations, where the weight of responsibility looms heavily on my shoulders.
You were directing Shah Rukh Khan in his first double role?
I had worked with Shah Ruk earlier in Chaahat. But this was special. With India’s beloved superstar Shah Rukh Khan by my side and the unwavering support of our dear Yash Johar, Duplicate held the promise of greatness. Yet, despite our best efforts, the film failed to capture the hearts of audiences, and I wholly and solely take responsibility for that.
Any redeeming factors?
Amidst this bitter defeat, there are moments of profound sweetness. During the promotional tour of Duplicate in the UK, the fervent adulation for Shah Rukh Khan served as a poignant reminder of his enduring charisma. Despite the film’s lackluster performance, Shah Rukh Khan remained a beacon of grace and dignity, offering his unwavering support without a hint of reproach. In moments of vulnerability, true character shines through. Shah Rukh Khan’s dignified response, even in the face of failure, left an indelible impression on me. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the resilience and compassion that define true greatness.
Was Duplicate a learning curve?
As Raj Kapoor famously remarked, ‘It’s the children that you lost, the miscarriages that you had, that parents remember.’ In the world of filmmaking, it’s the failures that linger in our memories, shaping us and moulding us into the artists we are meant to be. But amidst the shadows of defeat, there shines the grandeur of the human heart—the courage, resilience, and compassion that I witnessed in the behaviour of Shah Rukh Khan. That, to me, is the ultimate takeaway. Every filmmaker aspires to showcase their successes, but it is the brave ones who embrace their failures with the same courage and dignity. Because it’s through failure that we realize our humanity—our flaws, our vulnerabilities. And in that realization, we find empathy and connection with others navigating the unpredictable landscape of show business.
