There are many stories associated with this film of Amitabh Bachchan, released in 1978.
Amitabh Bachchan is not called the megastar of Bollywood for no reason. From Zanjeer to Sholay, he gave many blockbuster films in his career. Amitabh Bachchan is now 81 years old, but even at this age, he works for more than 10 hours every day. Although Amitabh Bachchan has given many blockbuster films, but do you know about that film of Big B, which was not getting any audience in the theaters at first. But, when this film was released, it was so successful that long queues of spectators formed outside the theatres. This is counted among the best films of Amitabh Bachchan’s career. Let us tell you about this blockbuster film of Big B.
Released in 1978
‘It is not only difficult but impossible to catch the Don’. On hearing this dialogue, the movie ‘Don’ comes to mind and the same movie is being talked about here also. The film ‘Don’ directed by Chandra Barot, released in 1978, played an important role in the career of Amitabh Bachchan. It has been years since this film was released, but even today people remember its dialogues and songs. ‘Don’ is one of the classic cult films of Hindi cinema. However, when this film was released, the audience was disappointed in the beginning, but when it was released, the film not only made huge profits but also broke many records.
The story behind becoming a don is interesting
The story behind the making of this film is also very interesting. Actually, the film’s producer Nariman Irani was in debt of Rs 12 lakh after the flop of his first film. Then Amitabh, Zeenat Aman and director Chandra Barot advised him to make another film. He met Nariman Irani during the shooting of the film ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’. Nariman was the cinematographer of this film and Chandra Barot was the AD or assistant director of direct Manoj Kumar.
Had no idea about the story
Don was released at a time when Amitabh Bachchan was in the headlines everywhere due to ‘Zanjeer’. Amitabh, Zeenat and Chandra Barot together assured Nariman Irani that they would not charge anything for this film. Yes, if the film is a hit, then he will definitely take his fees, but if it goes into loss then he will not take any money. On the advice of friends, Nariman agreed to make Don. The reins of direction of the film were handed over to Chandra Barot and Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman were finalized for the lead roles, but the story of the film was not known till now.
Talked to Salim-Javed on Amitabh’s advice
Amitabh Bachchan advised Nariman Irani to approach Salim-Javed, a famous and successful writer duo of that era, for the story. Nariman spoke to Salim-Javed on Amitabh’s advice, but they told such expensive stories that he was stunned. Incidentally, Nariman’s wife Salma was Waheeda Rehman’s hair dresser. Salma recommended her husband Nariman Irani to Salim Javed through Waheeda Rehman and the matter was resolved.
Nariman Irani said goodbye to this world before the release of Don.
Salim-Javed duo told about a story which no one was ready to buy. From Devanand to Jitendra to Dharmendra, everyone had rejected this story. Salim-Javed also gave the same offer to Nariman, if the film is a hit, they will give money and if it flops, they will not take any money. Nariman Irani took this story. Amitabh Bachchan and Chandra Barot also liked the story. The shooting of the film started, but unfortunately Nariman passed away before the film was completed.
Don’s earnings
When Don was released on the big screen, the film did not get much response from the audience in the first week, but then the audience started liking the film. The audience showered so much love on this film that it became the third biggest hit of the year. During that period the film had earned around Rs 7 crore 20 lakh. There were 5 songs in the film and all five were superhit.
