DON, a Spanish word
which means “Gentleman” or “Nobleman” indicating the term of respect for a man
usually followed by his first name. Director Chandra Barot who directed
the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer “DON” was right when he showcased Mumbai as
the city of opportunities and success stories, a city for dream and dream merchants
and a city of Gold. Barot's lyrical reference to the song 'Ei Hai Bambai Nagariya tu dekh Babuwa? Sone chandi ki dagariya too
dekh babuwa'. Narration of the song has also witnesses the beauty of
Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel very well covered with Amitabh Bachchan performing in
this dance number. Kalyanji Anandji's music continues to soothe the ears of
music lovers even today. I equally love the background music heard during
thriller or action sequence in this movie. Dialogues none other than Salim Javed.
What intrigued me is the
fact that Chandra Barot’s DON attained the cult status in India, proved to be
an iconic thriller and dialogues constantly mouthed by innumerable fans. Also,
it was Barot’s first movie as a Director then why after such an exalted success
he never came up with his other movie down the memory lane. He did though but
after a long gap in 1991. After the release of DON there was a long queue of
Producer’s at Chandra Barot’s Peddar Road home. But, destiny had its own plans
and the future was not as rosy as we would have imagined. The primary reason
for the project DON being the director Chandra wanted to help his friend the
producer of the movie Nariman A. Irani who had suffered big financial setback.
Chandra Barot – The Director’s Creativity
Director Chandra Barot finished his Senior Cambridge Examination in 1959
and had spent most of his life in Dar es Salaam. Between his Senior Cambridge
Examinations and results he had 6 months time frame. His father mentioned him
about part time vacancy at Barclays Bank. Chandra immediately took up the offer
at Barclays Bank and worked with the organization not for 6 months but full
time for brie period of nine years making it as his full time profession. Very
few can imagine a Corporate Executive from an MNC goes ahead in life to become
a Creative Director. Chandra was known for dressing well and flaunting fancy
accessories he possessed then.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Electrifying Entry Rich Baritone Voice (Yeh Dus Lakh Ka Sona Tho Mein Bhool Jaunga Raj Singh Magar Tumhe Yaad Rakhunga)
Amitabh
Bachchan's graceful entry in the 1978 movie DON the opening sequence was shot
what today is called as Navi Mumbai just before CIDCO showcasing sprawling land
and vast expanse of grass. Amitabh Bachchan impeccably dressed going well with
his personal Ray-Ban glasses which he had bought from London.
Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat
Aman (Mujhe junglee billiyan pasand hai . . . Thank you Don)
Observation
being Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman are not shown together in this scene.
Amitabh is mouthing his famous dialogue (Mujhe junglee billiyan pasand hai) in
Sea Rock Hotel whereas Zeenat Aman's shot was completed at Mehboob Studios
('Thank you, Don'). The two scenes were later merged.
There are many such interesting anecdotes from the movie DON but
I keep it short for now with just three. The voice of my
reader’s is their very own platform for posting comments towards my piece which
I truly appreciate it. Last but not the least I dedicate this piece to all the
fans of the 1978 movie DON. Watching the movie (several times) I had the
impression that DON means a Man in Powerful Position but now I also view it
from Spanish angle meaning “Nobleman”.
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