There are many interesting facts related to the Original “Don” starring Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Pran & more.
The most famous song of the film “Khaike Paan Banaraswala…” featuring Amitabh was added later on in the film and was not planned at all before. It was felt that the film’s narration was going too fast with all the chase and thrills and some kind of relief or calming effect was needed. To cut the tense atmosphere, a song was suggested.
So a whole new situation was created, the song was shot & added in the film after the interval to make some balance. And who knew the song would create history and will be remembered for years to come.
When this upbeat song was being recorded in the studio by Kishore Kumar, then as he was known for, Kishore actually demanded some paans in the studio itself. He chewed paans and spat it on a sheet spread on the floor and then sung the song with the natural effects. So the sounds of paan chewing and spating which you hear in the song are all real.
Another worth mentioning truth associated with this song is, that Amitabh was made to eat more than 20-25 paans, to have a real red effect on his lips. The effect did come as desired but due to the “Chuna” in paans, Amitabh, burnt his lips and was in pain for several days.
And the most amazing fact related to the song is that “Khaike Paan Banaraswala” was originally written for Dev Anand’s movie “Banarasi Babu” (1973) but was destined to get featured in Amitabh’s Don.
While the movie was being shot, Pran met an accident and was only able to walk with a stick. So his character in the movie was re-shaped, adjusted and “Jasjit” (Pran’s name in the movie) became a person with a wrecked leg, walking with a stick.
And thus was made a great thriller called “DON” in 1977-78.
The movie was remade in 2006 by Farhan Akhtar and featured Shahrukh Khan in the role of Amitabh Bachchan.
