Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, renowned for directing Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic 1978 blockbuster *Don*, has passed away at the age of 86.
A Storied Life Remembered
Chandra Barot breathed his last on Sunday at a hospital in Bandra, Mumbai, after a prolonged battle with pulmonary fibrosis. His wife, Deepa Barot, confirmed that he had been fighting the condition for seven years.
News of his passing saddened many in the film fraternity. Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who directed the 2006 *Don* remake, expressed his condolences on social media, sharing a photo and honoring the director of the “OG Don.”
The Visionary Behind “Don”
Born in Tanzania, Chandra Barot moved to India in 1967. After gaining experience as an assistant director, he made a remarkable directorial debut with *Don* in 1978. The film was penned by the legendary duo Salim-Javed.
*Don* was not just a commercial triumph; it also became one of Indian cinema’s most cherished action thrillers. It significantly boosted Amitabh Bachchan’s superstar status and sparked a wave of remakes across various languages and industries.
The Enduring “Don” Franchise
The original *Don* inspired several successful remakes. In Telugu, it became *Yugandhar* (1979) starring NT Rama Rao. The Tamil version, *Billa* (1980), featured Rajinikanth, marking a pivotal moment in his journey to superstardom.
Even Malayalam cinema saw its adaptation, *Shobaraj* (1986), with Mohanlal in the lead role. These early remakes showcased *Don*’s universal appeal and its ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Modern Adaptations and Beyond
Decades later, Salim-Javed’s legacy continued through Javed Akhtar’s son, Farhan Akhtar. He rebooted *Don* in 2006, casting Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role. This remake was a massive hit, leading to a successful sequel in 2011.
A third installment, *Don 3*, starring Ranveer Singh, is currently in development, proving the franchise’s enduring popularity. The Tamil *Billa* also saw its own successful reboots in 2007 and 2012, both starring Ajith Kumar, alongside a Telugu remake in 2009 featuring Prabhas.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Despite the monumental success of *Don*, Chandra Barot faced challenges in capitalizing on its momentum. He went on to direct Bengali films like *Aashrita* (1989) and *Pyar Bhara Dil* (1991).
Several of his other ambitious projects, including *Boss* and *Neil Ko Pakadna… Impossible*, unfortunately remained either incomplete or unreleased.
- Chandra Barot’s directorial debut was the iconic 1978 film *Don*.
- *Don* cemented Amitabh Bachchan’s superstar status and was written by Salim-Javed.
- The film inspired numerous remakes in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, starring industry legends like NT Rama Rao, Rajinikanth, and Mohanlal.
- Farhan Akhtar later rebooted the franchise with Shah Rukh Khan, leading to successful sequels and an upcoming third film with Ranveer Singh.
Chandra Barot leaves behind a cinematic legacy, primarily defined by one of Indian cinema’s most memorable and influential action thrillers.
