An old video clip of Kader Khan explaining the change in his friendship with Amitabh Bachchan has recently resurfaced and gone viral, sparking renewed interest in the relationship between the two Bollywood icons. The clip reveals the reasons behind the strained bond between the actor-writer duo, who were once frequent collaborators and close friends.
Kader Khan and Amitabh Bachchan shared a warm friendship, which extended into a professional partnership. Khan penned dialogues for many of Bachchan's hit movies like Amar Akbar Anthony, Coolie, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, and they acted together in several films, solidifying their place as one of Hindi cinema's most iconic actor-writer teams. Their bond was built on mutual respect and admiration, lasting almost two decades.
However, their relationship took a turn after Amitabh Bachchan's brief foray into politics. Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi encouraged Bachchan to join politics. After being elected as a Member of Parliament, Bachchan's demeanor seemed to change. Kader Khan sensed a shift in Bachchan's attitude when he returned to acting, and he no longer felt the same warmth or humility from his old friend.
According to Kader Khan, the breaking point occurred when a producer inquired whether he had met "Sir ji". When Kader Khan asked who they were referring to, the producer was taken aback that he didn't know that they were talking about Amitabh Bachchan. Kader Khan refused to address Bachchan as "Sir," finding it unnatural and insincere since he had always called him Amit.
Kader Khan recounted in the viral clip that he used to call Amitabh Bachchan "Amit". One day, a producer from the South film industry asked Khan, "Aap Sir ji ko mile (Did you meet Sir ji)?". Kader Khan responded, "Kaun Sir ji? (Who Sir ji?)" The producer, surprised, said, "Aapko Sir ji nahi maloom? That tall man (You don't know Sir ji?)". Kader Khan then saw that the producer was pointing towards Amitabh Bachchan. Kader Khan then said, "Woh toh Amit hai, Sir ji kabse ho gaye (That's Amit, since when did he become Sir ji?)". The producer replied, "We will call him Sirji from now on".
This refusal created a rift between them, and Amitabh began distancing himself. Kader Khan explained that he could not bring himself to call a friend "Sir," and their once easy friendship faded away. "My heart couldn't allow me to suddenly start calling a friend 'sir.' That man simply began avoiding me because I wouldn't use that title," Khan stated.
Kader Khan also mentioned that he was excluded from several projects featuring Amitabh Bachchan after this incident. He wasn't in Khuda Gawah (1992), and he left Ganga Jamuna Saraswati (1988) unfinished.
Despite the fallout, their earlier collaborations remain iconic examples of their talent and chemistry. Their work together in films like Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Do Aur Do Paanch (1980), Kaalia (1981), Satte Pe Satta (1982), Coolie (1983), Shahenshah (1988), Agneepath (1990), Hum (1991), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), and Sooryavansham (1999) continue to be celebrated by audiences.
The resurfaced clip serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics within the Bollywood industry and how personal relationships can be affected by fame, politics, and changing social norms. It also highlights the importance of respect and sincerity in maintaining friendships, even in the face of success and public image.
