Chandra Barot’s Legacy in Indian Cinema

Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, renowned for directing the 1978 cult classic “Don” starring Amitabh Bachchan, passed away at the age of 86. His wife, Deepa Barot, confirmed the news of his death, revealing that he had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for the past seven years. Barot was receiving treatment at Guru Nanak Hospital under Dr. Manish Shetty’s care and had previously been admitted to Jaslok Hospital.

Tributes from the Film Industry

Farhan Akhtar, who is currently directing the third installment of the “Don” franchise, paid homage to Barot on Instagram. He expressed his sorrow, stating, “Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.” Akhtar’s tribute highlights Barot’s enduring influence on the film industry and his pivotal role in shaping the iconic “Don” series.

The Making of a Cult Classic

Chandra Barot’s journey into filmmaking began with his directorial debut, “Don.” The project emerged as a lifeline for actor-producer Nariman Irani, who faced financial difficulties after the failure of “Zindagi Zindagi” (1972). To support Irani, Barot collaborated with writers Salim-Javed, whose script had been previously rejected by prominent actors like Dev Anand, Dharmendra, and Jeetendra. Despite these initial setbacks, “Don” became a landmark film in Indian cinema.

Beyond ‘Don’: Other Works and Unfinished Projects

Following the success of “Don,” Barot directed Bengali films such as “Aashrita” (1989) and “Pyar Bhara Dil” (1991). However, several of his projects, including “Boss” and “Neil Ko Pakadna… Impossible,” remained incomplete or unreleased. Despite these challenges, Barot’s legacy continued through the “Don” franchise.

The Continuing Legacy of ‘Don’

In 2006, Shah Rukh Khan starred in a reimagined version of “Don,” dedicated to Chandra Barot’s original vision. This film led to a sequel and now a third installment is underway, directed by Farhan Akhtar with Ranveer Singh and Kriti Sanon in leading roles. The enduring popularity of the “Don” series underscores Barot’s lasting impact on Indian cinema.