Deewana is remembered if at all today more for the launching pad for director Raj Kanwar and in particular actor Shah Rukh Khan. Though he began work as a film actor in Aziz Mirza’s updating of Shree 420 (1955), Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992), Deewana released first.

Though playing the second lead and entering the film only in the second half, Shah Rukh still manages to infuse some life into the film following its lack-lustre plodding first half. He effortlessly steals the film from the leads, an ageing Rishi Kapoor and an endearing enough Divya Bharati. Audiences too responded enthusiastically to this fresh actor who though not conventionally good looking had that extra energetic something in him.

Nadeem-Shravan’s musical score also proved quite popular, in particular the songs Teri Umeed Tera Intezaar, Koi Na Koi Chahiye, Aisi Deewangi and Sochenge Tumhein Pyaar Karein ki Nahin all made it to top of the charts.

Oh and special mention must be made of the ending of the film. Normally the first love of a woman in Indian cinema is the love of her life and should there have to be a choice, she always goes back to her first love but here the first husband and not the second is killed in the climax to resolve the triangle! (A sign of moving with the times?)

 
All in all just about average fare at best, rescued by a young energetic Khan.