I am proud of <i>Don</i> - SRK

Friday, October 13, 2006
Mumbai (UNI): Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan whose film Don is set for a Diwali/Eid release next week says it is a brave film and the character he portrays has its own identity. ''Even though it is a remake of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don released in 1978, Farhan Akhtar has made a turnaround with changes in the screenplay'', and this appealed him to take the role, Shah Rukh said at a press conference to launch a limited edition of Tag Heur watches which bears his signature yesterday.

''I am proud of Don. All those associated with it feel that the original Don is a cult film and not to be messed around with. We have grown up watching the old Don. I feel blessed to have been given a chance to portray the character,'' Shah Rukh said. SRK said he was as nervous on the eve of Don's release as he is before the release of every movie of his. He said the new Don was as techno savvy as every one is today. The 'Shah Rukh Khan Monaco sixty Nine limited edition Chronograph' which bears his signature plays a key role in Don, and it is used in the film in a manner not used before in Indian movies.

''It is a lifetime watch, which offers both mechanical and digital displays merely by pivoting the case,'' the actor said. He said apart from his laptop, his watch was his prized personal and private belonging. Speaking about Don, he said the character of Don is quiet and menacing. ''There is a maniacal quality to him. I like the pscyopath and intelligent variety of bad men. Since, I am not brawny. I have to hide this aspect by portraying intelligence,'' he said. ''Don is a man constantly living on the edge, evading arrest or death at the hands of his enemies, both within and outside the law. Fearless, cunning and ruthless, he is unstoppable in the pursuit of absolute power,'' SRK said.

Replying to a question on the Khan clash at the box office on October 20, when Don will release along with Salman starrer 'Jaan-e-mann' , Shah Rukh jokingly remarked, ''Who is the other Khan, there is only one that is me. After Changez Khan, it is Shah Rukh Khan.'' The actor said there is nothing controversial about the two movies releasing on the same day. ''Every Friday, more than two movies release and sometimes they are big banners. Both Don and Jaan-e-mann are of different genres. Jaan-e-mann is a romantic love story, while Don is an action thriller. The makers and the actors of Jaan-e-mann are my friends and I pray for the success of the film as much as I pray for mine. There is space for everyone,'' he said and added that reports of the two films clashing at the box office make good media hype for both the movies.

When asked whether the new Don wishes to give any message to the old Don, SRK said, ''I am not capable of giving any messages to Mr Amitabh Bachchan. I can only thank him for being the inspiration behind this film and giving us an opportunity to make a new version.'' To a question on whether he could be called timeless given his 15-year stint at the top position in Bollywood, SRK said, ''I do not think I can be called timeless. I happened to be at the right place at the right time and whatever I am today is because of my fans.'' ''On Wednesday, I had a book on me released and today the world's oldest watch company has unveiled a limited edition exclusive collection bearing my signature. Such things happen only in dreams. I do not know why this is happening to me, but I hope it continues and I get energy to entertain my fans for a long time to come,'' he said.

LVHM Watch and Jewellery's President (Asia Pacific) Ravi Thakaran, which manufacturers Tag Heur watches said, ''the striking bold, limited range of 150 watches carrying SRK's signature on the digital side of the dial is valued at Rs 3.05 lakh. The actor is the only TAG Heur global brand ambassador who is honoured with the signature series this year.'' The prized SRK timepiece is incorporated in Don in an exciting fashion. With design inputs from the actor himself, the watch is packaged in a special case designed specially for the limited edition,'' he added.

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