Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa Turns 30: Shah Rukh Khan’s Sunil – From Potential Villain to Earnest Lost Lover in This Love Story
In a pivotal scene from Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Shah Rukh Khan’s character Sunil expresses his frustration to his sister about Anna’s lack of receptiveness towards his love. He feels entitled to express his feelings and is resentful when he perceives the opportunity slipping away. Without hesitation, Sunil accuses Anna of being manipulative and predicts that she will end up with a wealthy man. Director Kundan Shah does not defend Sunil’s behavior, portraying him as disillusioned and hateful in this moment.
This scene is crucial as it marks a turning point in the film. Sunil could have taken the path of obsession and possessiveness, akin to his role in Darr, disregarding the woman’s feelings. Alternatively, he could have chosen to back off and respect her decisions. Instead, Sunil opts for a different path, devising a misguided plan that leads to him maligning the woman he loves. Unlike the protagonists in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s films, Sunil is swiftly called out for his actions. He is not allowed to justify his behavior under the guise of love; instead, he faces the consequences and regrets his mistakes. This portrayal makes Sunil a relatable character who, despite his imperfections, is guided by his moral compass.
Director Kundan Shah attributed the film’s success to Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma in a 2015 interview. He recalled an incident in Hyderabad where Shah Rukh personally promoted the film and interacted with the audience, noting that the crowd’s reaction was a testament to Shah Rukh’s appeal. Shah Rukh himself has expressed that Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa is one of his favorite performances. Before Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Shah Rukh portrayed diverse roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa offered a unique perspective, presenting the story from the viewpoint of a character grappling with unrequited love, rather than portraying him as a villain. Kundan Shah chose to depict Sunil as a resilient individual who, despite heartbreak, moves forward with hope for healing. This approach set the film apart, highlighting the earnestness of Shah Rukh Khan’s performance and the depth of the character he portrayed.
