<i>Don</i> set visited by former Malaysian PM

Friday, April 21, 2006

New Delhi (UNI): The cast and crew of Farhan Akhtar's under-production sequel of the 70s hit Don recently had a surprise visitor. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad last week paid a surprise visit to the sets of Don- The Chase Begins again at the exclusive Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi in Malaysia. For the actors of the film, which stars superstar Shahrukh Khan, former Miss World Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor, it was indeed a matter of pride to have a former head of state of the country personally visit the sets of their filming at the box office.

Shah Rukh Khan, who essays the role done by Superstar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1978 movie, took a break from shooting of the film to entertain Dr Mahathir, trade sources said. The sources said that during the brief meeting, both Shahrukh and Dr Mahatir expressed a mutual admiration for each other. During his visit, the former malaysian PM also had interactions with the film's producer Ritesh Sidhwani and its lead actress Priyanka Chopra. The unit of Don have been shooting round the clock for the film in Malaysia for the last one month.

During the 70-day shooting schedule of the film in Malaysia, the unit will travel to 42 locations, including the Penchala Link, Kampung Baru and the Petronas Twin Towers. Among the scenes to be shot during the schedule will be the the classic number Khai Ke Paan Banaras Wala, filmed on Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman in the original. In the sequel, the song, to be shot on May 13, will feature Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra and will be choreographed by Saroj Khan. Also scheduled to be filmed is the song 'Yeh Mera Dil', being choreographed by Farah Khan for Farhan's version. The song, which was filmed on Amitabh Bachchan and Helen in the original, features SRK with Kareena Kapoor in the sequel.

According to Ritesh Sidhwani, the producer of the film, the sequel of Don will have Shahrukh playing a techno-savvy gentleman - 'James Bondesque' character with knowledge of all modern accessories and gadgets. Even Priyanka is expected to indulge in some daredevil stunts and display her martial arts skills for the movie all by herself.