Tahir Raj Bhasin’s latest release Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein has a few elements in common with Shah Rukh Khan’s films. The Netflix thriller, showing the dark side of unrequited love, is bound to remind many of the superstar’s earlier acts in Darr (1993) and Anjaam (1994). Not to mention, the title is borrowed from his popular song from Baazigar (1993).

For Bhasin, the web series holds a special place, more so for its connection with the superstar. “I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the name of the series. For someone who idolises Shah Rukh, this was too good to be true. The title fits aptly with the show’s themes of love, betrayal and vengeance, and its tragic power structure. I remember when I was offered the show, I used to play the song every morning for about a month. It felt like I had arrived in the industry if I was doing a project that has Shah Rukh sir’s song as the title,” says the actor.

Like most of his peers, Bhasin is an admirer of Khan’s work. He admits that the superstar’s struggle to reach the pinnacle of Bollywood has been a source of inspiration for him. “Every young actor in India aspires to get the love and fan following that Shah Rukh sir commands. For me, his journey has always been a source of strength. I came to Mumbai from New Delhi, like him. He was an outsider with no godfather, and I didn’t know a soul in Bollywood when I came to the city. Now, it’s an amazing coincidence that the title of my show is based on one of his biggest chartbusters.”