From Star Rejections to Superstardom: The Untold Story Behind Don’s Phenomenal Success

A pivotal story from Bollywood history has resurfaced, revealing how a now-legendary film was initially rejected by superstars Dev Anand and Jeetendra. The 1978 crime thriller Don—eventually headlined by Amitabh Bachchan—defied all expectations to become a massive box office success, reshaping careers and industry trends.

 

Key Highlights

Superstar Rejections:
 

The original script was offered to Dev Anand, Jeetendra, and even Dharmendra, but all turned it down for various reasons. Director Chandra Barot and producer Nariman Irani faced multiple setbacks and skepticism from within the industry.

 

Unexpected Opportunity:
 

Following these rejections, Amitabh Bachchan was approached and agreed to star. With Zeenat Aman, Pran, and Helen joining the cast, the project moved forward despite initial hurdles.

 

Low Budget, High Returns:
 

The film was shot on a modest budget of Rs 70 lakhs. Remarkably, ‘Don’ went on to earn more than Rs 2.5 crores initially, with later reports even suggesting box office receipts soared as high as Rs 7 crores—making it one of the top grossers of 1978.

 

Cult Status:
 

After a lukewarm opening, word of mouth transformed ‘Don’ into a golden jubilee hit, running for 50 weeks in theaters. Its gripping plot, chartbuster music, and Amitabh’s dual role as Don and Vijay cemented its place as a Bollywood classic.

 

Legacy Impact:
 

The surprising success of ‘Don’ elevated Amitabh Bachchan’s stardom and inspired multiple remakes and sequels, including the Farhan Akhtar–Shah Rukh Khan reboot.

 

"Don's journey from widespread rejection to blockbuster status is proof that the magic of cinema often lies in bold choices and second chances."

 

Source: India.com Entertainment, BollywoodLife, News18