Mumbai: Zeenat Aman, a veteran Bollywood actress, shared a nostalgic post on Instagram, reminiscing about the iconic song “Khaike Paan Banaras Wala” from the 1978 movie Don. She recalled that the song was originally meant for the 1973 Dev Anand movie Banarasi Babu, but was rejected due to its perceived frivolity. However, the song found its place in Don, which starred Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role, and went on to become an unforgettable hit.
Zeenat shared how the song’s infectious rhythm, Kishore Kumar’s soulful vocals, and Bachchan’s vibrant performance made it a sensation. She also vividly remembered the immense amount of paan that Bachchan consumed during the shoot, adding humor to the process, as well as the energy he brought to the set. The song, which was filmed after the movie was completed, became a defining moment in Indian cinema, drawing massive crowds and sparking repeat theater visits.
Interestingly, the song was revisited in later versions of Don—Farhan Akhtar’s 2006 remake, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, and again in the 2011 sequel Don 2. Zeenat Aman also noted that the modern renditions maintained the lively, catchy essence of the original. Her post, filled with fond memories, encapsulated the lasting impact of the song, offering a glimpse into Bollywood’s golden era.
