Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for directing the 1978 classic Don starring Amitabh Bachchan, passed away on Sunday (July 20) at the age of 86. He had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for the past seven years, confirmed his wife, Deepa Barot. He was receiving treatment at Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra and was previously admitted to Jaslok Hospital. Now, Amitabh Bachchan has reacted to his passing.
Amitabh Bachchan Remembers Chandra Barot
Taking to his blog, Bachchan penned an emotional note, writing, "Another sad moment… Dear friend and my director of Don, Chandra Barot, passed away this morning. It is difficult to put the loss into words. We worked together, yes, but he was more of a family friend than anything else. I can only pray."
Farhan Akhtar also remembered the late director. Sharing photos on his social media handle, he wrote, "Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family."
About Chandra Barot
Born and raised in Tanzania, before making his directorial debut with Don, Chandra served as an assistant director to actor-director Manoj Kumar in Purab Aur Pachhim, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Yaadgaar, and Shor. After Don, Chandra Barot directed a Bengali film, Aashrita.
Barot had his breakthrough in 1978 when he finally decided to direct Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan. The film flopped at the box office in its first week, shattering Barot's dream, but it soon gained momentum due to word of mouth, and went on to become an all-time blockbuster.
Don cemented Big B's place in the industry and made him one of the top stars.
