Chandra Barot, Director of Don, Dies at 86
Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for directing the cult classic Don (1978), has passed away at the age of 86 on July 20, 2025, due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis, as confirmed by his wife, Deepa Barot.
Early Life & Bollywood Beginnings
Born in Tanzania and raised in a family with cinematic ties—his sister Kamal Barot was a playback singer—Chandra Barot initially worked at Barclays Bank in Dar-es-Salaam. Racial unrest in the late 1960s prompted his move to India, where, after meeting his sister and connecting with filmmaker Manoj Kumar, he transitioned into Bollywood, starting as an assistant director.
He learned the craft under Manoj Kumar on films like Purab Aur Pachhim, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Yaadgaar before finally making his directorial debut with Don in 1978.
Don (1978): A Jaguar in Bollywood
Initially faced with financial struggles and a poor opening, Don found its momentum thanks to the popularity of the song “Khaike Paan Banaraswala”, transforming from a flop to a blockbuster and ultimately earning “golden jubilee” status at the box office.
Though Chandra Barot directed only a few films, his impact was monumental. Don, written by the legendary duo Salim-Javed, became a cult classic and laid the foundation for Bollywood’s love affair with the anti-hero. Barot’s gripping direction, combined with a stellar performance by Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role, stylish cinematography, and unforgettable music, made Don an evergreen blockbuster.
The movie’s dialogues like “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai” are etched into the fabric of Bollywood pop culture. Later, Don inspired numerous remakes, including the Shah Rukh Khan-led version directed by Farhan Akhtar in 2006.
Directed by Chandra Barot
Written by Salim–Javed
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan (dual role), Zeenat Aman, Pran, Helen, and others
- Legacy: Third-highest grossing film in India that year, spawning multiple remakes and a long-running franchise including the 2006 Shah Rukh Khan reimagining and Don 2 in 2011, alongside further sequels in development.
Career After Don: Hits, Misses & Unfinished Stories
Chandra Barot directed a few projects post-Don: the Bengali hit Aashrita (1989), Pyar Bhara Dil (1991), and several unrealized or unreleased films like Boss, Neil Ko Pakadna… Impossible, and Hong Kong Wali Script.
Despite wide industry recognition and dozens of offers following Don, many of his later projects didn’t materialize due to funding issues or casting changes. Yet, Barot remained dignified, supportive of the Don franchise’s legacy but skeptical of remakes.
Final Years & Passing
Chandra Barot had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for approximately seven years and received medical treatment at Mumbai’s Guru Nanak Hospital and Jaslok Hospital before passing away in Bandra on July 20, 2025. His wife confirmed his peaceful demise after a long illness.
Bollywood, including Farhan Akhtar, director of the upcoming Don 3, paid tribute, calling Barot the director of the “OG Don” and offering heartfelt condolences.
Bollywood Pays Tribute
Many celebrities and fans poured their condolences online. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “A dear friend and the man who gave me one of my most iconic roles. Rest in peace Chandra ji.” Director Farhan Akhtar also posted, “Without Chandra Barot’s vision, there would be no Don. Deeply saddened.”
Lesser-Known Facts About Chandra Barot
Barot was originally an assistant director under filmmaker Manoj Kumar.
Don was initially rejected by many producers until Barot took the initiative to direct it himself.
He was known for his eye for dramatic detail and tight storytelling.
Public Reaction
Film critics, cinephiles, and fans took to social media to reminisce about the magic of Don. Many shared their favorite scenes and posted tribute videos online. Some even credited Barot with changing the structure of crime thrillers in Indian cinema.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Architect of a cult classic: Don reshaped Bollywood noir and heist thrillers with its sleek narrative, crisp dialogue, and stylized action.
Mentor to generations: His collaboration with screenwriters Salim–Javed and actor Amitabh Bachchan set a filmmaking template still admired.
Franchise originator: The original Don laid the foundation for a franchise spanning decades and generations, inspiring global remakes and sequels.
- Personal integrity: Acknowledged for helping launch the film to support producer Nariman Irani’s debts, Barot remained a respected and humble figure despite limited filmography after Don.
End of an Era
Chandra Barot may have directed just one legendary Hindi film that defined his entire career. But Don—with its complex plot, memorable songs, and iconic performances—ensured his name would echo through Bollywood history. As the original architect of Amitabh Bachchan’s Don, Barot leaves behind a cinematic legacy that continues to captivate fans and filmmakers alike. His passing marks the end of an era, but his art lives on.