When Zeenat Aman Recalled Amitabh Bachchan’s Perfectionism While Filming Don: ‘One More Shot Until...'

Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman, both legendary figures in Indian cinema, have enjoyed illustrious careers, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Together, they formed a golden duo, starring in blockbuster films like Don (1978), The Great Gambler (1979), and Dostana (1980), among many others. Their successful on-screen chemistry was evident in iconic films like Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Laawaris (1981), Pukar (1983), and Mahaan (1983), making them one of the most cherished pairs in Bollywood.

However, their friendship dates back to a time before their fame, when they were aspiring actors in Bombay. In a 2017 interview with Filmfare, Zeenat Aman revealed that she, along with their group of friends, affectionately called Amitabh “Da” after his brother Ajitabh’s nickname for him. They spent much of their early days meeting at friends’ homes, enjoying good food, engaging in conversations, and celebrating life. Even in those early days, Zeenat observed Amitabh’s passion for music and his great sense of humor. Their film debuts were only a year apart, with Amitabh in Saat Hindustani (1969) and Zeenat in The Evil Within (1970).

Zeenat fondly recalled Amitabh’s dedication to his craft, especially during the filming of the iconic song “Khaike Paan Banaraswala” in Don. She shared, “It was the last add-on to the film. He was so keen about giving his best that he kept asking for ‘one more’ shot until it was absolutely perfect.” The film, penned by Salim–Javed and directed by Chandra Barot, became one of the biggest hits of their careers.

Zeenat also commended Amitabh’s ability to handle pressure with poise. “He’s inspired us to deal with every situation in life with grace and dignity. As you know, no public figure is ever populously white. Whether it was his political inclination or the fallout of that, or his relationships with some of his co-stars where he was accused of many things… he dealt with everything with great dignity. He has earned every bit of the respect and admiration he enjoys,” she added.

Their longstanding friendship and mutual respect both on and off the screen continue to shine, as they remain icons of grace, dedication, and cinematic excellence.