As someone who grew up “watching and worshipping” Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan on screen, actor Ranveer Singh hopes to make the two iconic “Hindi cinema heroes” proud as he takes on the mantle of the new Don, the 38-year-old said on Thursday.
The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor penned a heartfelt note on Instagram alongside a series of his childhood images, saying that he understood the responsibility that came with the iconic character. Don was first played by Bachchan in 1978’s Don, a role that Farhan Akhtar reimagined with Shah Rukh in 2006’s Don and 2011’s Don 2.
“Gosh! I’ve been dreaming about doing this for a very, very long time! 😅💕 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,” his note read.
Paying tribute to the two iconic Hindi film heroes, Ranveer further wrote, “I dreamed of growing up to be like them. They are the very reason I wanted to become an actor and a ‘hindi film hero’. Their impact and influence on my life cannot be overstated. They’ve shaped the person and actor that I am. Taking their legacy forward is a manifestation of my childhood dream 😇🧿💫”
He hoped that the audience would give him a chance. “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 Gully Boy actor also thanked director Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Dishwani for entrusting him with this opportunity. “I hope I can deliver on your faith and conviction. 🤜🏽🤛🏽 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’. 😎
Veteran writers Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan created the character of Don back in the 1970s.
Earlier this week, an announcement teaser of the upcoming third instalment of the franchise was released by Excel Entertainment with the caption, “A New Era Begins. #Don3”
Don 3 is expected to hit the screens in 2025.
