Don was released 42 years ago

Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan’s cult hit “Don” was released 42 years ago on this day, and the veteran actor took to social media to reminisce about the film. He recalled why the distributors were not happy with the film’s title.

The actor took to his blog to write about the Chandra Barot-directed film that was scripted by the hit writer-duo of the era, Salim-Javed. Big B had a double role, along with Zeenat Aman, Pran, Iftekar and Om Shivpuri in pivotal roles.

“When Chandra and Salim-Javed announced the name of the film as ‘DON’ .. no distributor was willing to accept the title .. they all thought it to be named after the DAWN underwear .. a popular brand during those times… The film ‘Godfather’ was just making a mark in film circles .. the word ‘Don’ was unknown till then,” he wrote. “But what a life the film has had and its music .. quite remarkable. Javed saheb sent me an sms this morning .. ‘ huzoor 42 saal ho gaye DON ko .. hadd ho gayee ..'”