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When Farhan Akhtar and his team recently made it official that actor Ranveer Singh will replace Shah Rukh Khan in the Don franchise, the news generated a wide range of responses, many of which were critical. Fans, reluctant to accept Ranveer Singh as a replacement for SRK in one of Bollywood’s most beloved film franchises, made their opinions known via social media. Meanwhile, director Farhan Akhtar recently spoke candidly about the decision to recast the character of Don and emphasised that he was “not in the position of replacing anybody”.
He told Variety: “These are things that we discussed over the years, I wanted to take a certain direction with the story, but somehow we (Shah Rukh Khan and I) just couldn’t find common ground. We just parted mutually knowing that it’s probably for the best. So that’s where it is.”
Regarding his expectations for Ranveer Singh taking on the role of the iconic negative hero in the upcoming actioner Don 3, Farhan expressed genuine thrill. “I’m really excited Ranveer’s on board. He’s so charged and so ready to go. It’s a big film, just purely from the point of view of an actor, it’s a big thing to do, and we’re really excited to have him on board. His energy is energizing us, so to speak.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role and extending a heartfelt request to cinephiles worldwide asking them to give him a chance, Ranveer Singh had shared a long, heartfelt note on social media shortly after the announcement.
He wrote, “Gosh! I’ve been dreaming about doing this for a very, very long time.” Explaining how SRK and Amitabh Bachchan played a pivotal role in inspiring him to become an actor and how their influence shaped his path, Ranveer said, “As a child I fell in love with the movies, and like the rest of us, watching and worshipping Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan – the two G.O.A.Ts of Hindi Cinema.”
Ranveer continued, “I understand what a great responsibility it is to be a part of the ‘Don’ dynasty. I hope the audience gives me a chance and showers me with love, the way they have for numerous characters over the past so many years.”
The actor thanked Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani for entrusting him with the honourable mantle and believing in him. He concluded, “My two supernovas, The Big B and SRK, I hope I can make you proud. And my beloved audience, as always, I promise you…that I will do my very best to entertain you…in and as… Don.”
Previously, Shah Rukh Khan had essayed the titular role in two Don movies, released in 2006 and 2011, respectively. The character was originally played by Amitabh Bachchan in the 1978 hit Don. Don 3 too was first planned with Shah Rukh returning, but the film never took off despite sustained fan interest for years. The film is slated for a 2025 release.
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