Filmmaker behind 1978 cult classic ‘Don’ passes away at 86; tributes pour in from industry veterans
Mumbai, July 20 — Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for directing the 1978 blockbuster Don, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 86. The news of his passing has left a wave of sorrow across the film fraternity, with Don star Amitabh Bachchan and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar leading the tributes.
In a heartfelt blog post, Bachchan remembered Barot not just as a filmmaker but a close family friend. “Another and another sad moment… Dear friend and my director of Don – Chandra Barot passed away this morning… It is difficult to put in words the loss,” he wrote, adding, “We worked together yes, but he was more a family friend than any else… I can only pray.”
Barot made his directorial debut with Don (1978), a film that has since become a cult classic. The movie not only elevated Amitabh Bachchan’s stardom but also set the tone for future action thrillers in Hindi cinema. Its massive popularity inspired a reboot in 2006, helmed by Farhan Akhtar and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, followed by a sequel in 2011.
Farhan Akhtar also took to Instagram to mourn the filmmaker’s demise, writing, “Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.” Celebrities like Farah Khan and Isha Koppikar reacted to his post, remembering Barot’s contribution to cinema.
In addition to Don, Barot directed Aashrita (1989) and assisted on films such as Purab Aur Pachhim, Yaadgaar, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Shor.
The loss of Chandra Barot is being deeply felt not only for his directorial legacy but also for his personal warmth and camaraderie within the film fraternity.