Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar and Kunal Kohli mourn demise of Don director Chandra Barot: ‘He was like a family friend'

Indian Express

a day ago

Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for directing the iconic 1978 film Don starring Amitabh Bachchan, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. His wife, Deepa Barot, revealed that he had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for the past seven years and was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital, where he breathed his last. Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Kunal Kohli, Sanjay Gupta, and many others have mourned the loss of the director.
On his Tumblr blog, Bachchan remembered Barot and wrote, 'Another and another sad moment. 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 any else .. I can only pray.'
Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar, who is currently taking the Don franchise forward by directing the third installment Don 3, shared a heartfelt post. Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared photos of Barot and wrote in the caption, 'Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.'
A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar)
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Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta also took to his X handle and wrote, 'Rest In Peace Chandra Barot Sir. Many thanks for DON. One of the most entertaining Hindi films ever.'
Director Kunal Kohli penned an emotional note on his X account, revealing that the Don director was the only one who he had ever assisted. 'Chandra ji RIP sir. The only director I assisted. Not in Don. For a film with Vinod Khanna called Boss, which never saw the light of day. But what an enriching experience working with him. Heard so many BTS stories of Don. I used to bunk college and assist Chandraji. Remarkably sharp man. Lovely person. Has very enlightening and fun chats with him. Thank you sir for giving us #Don indian cinemas' most stylish films to date. #ChandraBarot,' his post read.
Chandra ji RIP sir. The only director I assisted. Not in Don. For a film with Vinod Khanna called Boss that never saw the light of day. But what am enriching experience working with him. Heard so many BTS stories of Don. I sided bunk college and assist Chandraji. Remarkably sharp… pic.twitter.com/POaXkNEFbU
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) July 20, 2025
Chandra Barot's journey in cinema began under the mentorship of actor-director Manoj Kumar. He started his career as an assistant director on several Hindi classics, including Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), Yaadgar (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974). In addition to Don, Barot directed films, including Bengali film Aashrita (1989) and Pyar Bhara Dil (1991). However, some of his projects, such as Hong Kong Wali Script and Neil Ko Pakadna… Impossible, were shelved and never made it to theatres.