Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to his ‘Don’ director Chandra Barot. The veteran filmmaker, best remembered for helming the 1978 cult classic, died in Mumbai at the age of 86 after a prolonged battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was undergoing treatment at Guru Nanak Hospital under the care of Dr. Manish Shetty. The news was confirmed by his wife, Deepa Barot.
Barot’s passing has left a deep void in the Indian film industry, particularly among those who knew him beyond just his cinematic legacy. Among the first to express grief was Amitabh Bachchan, who delivered one of his most iconic performances under Barot’s direction in ‘Don’.
On his personal blog, Bachchan wrote, “Dear dear friend and my director of Don – Chandra Barot passed away this morning. It is difficult to put in words the loss… we worked together, yes, but he was more a family friend than anyone else. I can only pray (prayer emoji) (sic).”
Take a look at the screenshot here:
Barot’s journey in cinema began as an assistant to Manoj Kumar, but it was ‘Don’—starring Bachchan in a gripping double role alongside Zeenat Aman—that etched his name in Bollywood history. The film’s taut storytelling, unforgettable dialogues, and chartbuster soundtrack elevated it to classic status, inspiring multiple remakes over the decades.
Though he directed only a handful of films, Barot’s singular contribution with ‘Don’ continues to resonate. His creative vision and flair for mainstream storytelling have earned him an enduring place in Indian cinema’s hall of fame.
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