By News18
Even after 25 years, Dushman continues to linger in the minds of viewers, largely due to Ashutosh Rana鈥檚 terrifying portrayal of the sadistic killer Gokul Pandit. The 1998 psychological thriller, directed by Tanuja Chandra and produced by Pooja Bhatt, was a bold film that tackled themes of trauma, justice, and inner strength. At its emotional core was Kajol, who played dual roles鈥攖win sisters whose lives are shattered by a brutal crime.
In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Kajol opened up about the emotional turmoil and hesitation she experienced before accepting the role. She revealed that she initially refused the project, despite being deeply moved by the story. 鈥淚t was a very difficult role. It was a subject matter. I had refused the film. Pooja Bhatt had approached me for the film because she was producing it, she wanted me to do the film. But I was like, 鈥業 love the script. I love the idea, but I don鈥檛 want to portray any kind of molestation or rape on screen. Not because of anything else but as an actor when you are acting in that emotion, you feel all those things. As an actor, I don鈥檛 need to do that. I can show my acting prowess in other things,鈥 she recalled.
Kajol鈥檚 apprehension was rooted not just in the graphic nature of the scenes, but the emotional toll such performances can take on an actor. However, what eventually convinced her was the unwavering support and empathy shown by the film鈥檚 female-led creative team. 鈥淭hen Tanuja and Pooja made me understand. They said, 鈥楧on鈥檛 worry about it. We are women, we understand, and we will figure this out, and we will shoot with a body double and we will do this and that, and we will not do anything that you are uncomfortable with at any point,鈥 so yes, that鈥檚 how Dushman came to be,鈥 she said.
In the film, Kajol鈥檚 performance is a powerful embodiment of vulnerability and strength. One sister is brutally raped and murdered by the psychotic Gokul Pandit, while the other鈥攄evastated and haunted鈥攅mbarks on a path of revenge. Her transformation is aided by a blind ex-army officer, played by Sanjay Dutt, who trains her to confront her sister鈥檚 killer and reclaim her power.
Though released in the same year as Kajol鈥檚 mega-blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dushman carved a very different space for itself in Indian cinema. Where one celebrated youthful romance, the other dove deep into psychological trauma and female resilience. Dushman didn鈥檛 cater to mainstream tastes, but its bold narrative, taut direction, and unflinching performances earned it a cult status over time.