Director of Don, Chandra Barot Passes Away at 86

Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for directing the legendary 1978 film Don starring Amitabh Bachchan, passed away on July 20 at the age of 86. He had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for the past seven years and was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital. His wife, Deepa Barot, confirmed the sad news.

Chandra Barot’s passing has stunned the fans, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across Bollywood, too. Known as the man behind one of Hindi cinema’s most stylish and iconic thrillers, Barot’s contribution to cinema remains unforgettable.

Chandra Barot Don Director Filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar, who directed the Don remakes and is currently working on the third installment, paid his respects, saying, “Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.”

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Director Kunal Kohli also took to social media to share his memories. “Chandra ji RIP sir. The only director I assisted. Not in Don, but for a film with Vinod Khanna that never saw the light of day. I bunked college to assist him, what an enriching experience! He was remarkably sharp and full of stories. Thank you for giving us #Don, one of Indian cinema’s most stylish films.”

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

Barot’s journey in cinema began in the 1970s as an assistant director. His early credits include films like Purab Aur Pachhim and Yaadgar (1970), Shor (1972), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974). He made his directorial debut with Don, which became a massive success and remains a cult classic to this day.

Apart from Don, he directed Bengali films like Aashrita (1989) and Pyar Bhara Dil (1991). Though a few of his projects, like Hong Kong Wali Script and Neil Ko Pakadna…Impossible, were shelved, his vision and flair for storytelling left a lasting impression.

As fans and colleagues remember the man who brought Don to life, his legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers. Chandra Barot’s contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered with great respect and admiration.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan reveals plan to recreate Don with Chandra Barot instead of replacing Amitabh Bachchan