Looking Back: Ace Cinematographer-Producer Nariman Irani almost went bankrupt- made Don died before release
Looking Back: Ace Cinematographer-Producer Nariman Irani almost went bankrupt- made Don died before release
The story of this film had no buyers, and Salim-Javed gave this story to the producer for free. One advice of Manoj Kumar improved this film to a different level.
It’s an established fact that in the show business, filmmaking is a team effort. A producer may have funds to invest, but he may not reap profits if didn’t have the best script, perfect director, and pitch-perfect casting.
Here’s a movie starring Amitabh Bachchan that became one of the biggest blockbusters of 1978. However, the journey of this film wasn’t a cakewalk, and one piece of advice from a veteran filmmaker-actor rewrote the fate of Don. The film was ‘Don’ and producer was Nariman Irani, Bollywood’s ace cameraman.
Nariman Irani suffered a major loss of Rs 12 lakh after his first production flopped badly. Nariman had a huge loan, and to recover the losses, he decided to make another film.
Sources reveal that Nariman went to the iconic screenwriter duo Salim-Javed for a story. Nariman met them to get a story for his film, but he had a limited budget.
After hearing 2-3 expensive story ideas, the writer-duo gave him a story that no one bought. Salim-Javed offered Nariman Don and told him that if the movie works, then they will charge for the story.
Not only Salim-Javed, but even Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, and Chandra Barot did Don for free
After Nariman locked the script, he started looking for a director and actors. Before becoming a producer.
For those unversed, Nariman worked as a cinematographer in Manoj Kumar’s Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. In the midst of making of Don he met Amitabh Bachchan Zeenat Aman and Chandra Barot(who assisted Manoj Kumar).
Nariman shared good bond with the trio. Thus, after locking the script, he approached Amitabh and Zeenat for lead roles and Chandra Barot for direction.
The actor and director knew the struggle Nariman was going through. They decided to back the film without charging any money. Yes, Amitabh, Zeenat, and Chandra did Don for free, and they decided to take money only if it would work at the box office.
However, it was Manoj Kumar’s crucial advice that saved Don
Nariman had narrated the script to his mentor, Manoj Kumar, and advised him to put a light-hearted song in the second half that would entertain the audience and give them a break from high-voltage action drama.
After paying.head hearing his advice, Nariman approached Kalyanji-Anandji, and they gave him the song Khaike Paan Banraswala. The song became a highlight of the film.
Before completion of Don, Nariman Irani passed away due to a tragic accident that happened at Kamalistan Studio.
But, Nariman’s wife, Salman Irani and others put their 100% in making this film a grand spectacle.
Reportedly, Don was released without much publicity, but the movie found its audience and became the third biggest hit of 1978.
News Edit K.V.Raman
