When Amitabh Bachchan's co-star and friend revealed truth behind their rift: 'He avoided me because…'

Veteran actor and writer Kader Khan once shared a close and warm friendship with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. Their partnership extended beyond acting—while they appeared together in several of Bachchan’s most celebrated films, like Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Mr. Natwarlal, and Yaarana, Kader also penned dialogues for many of his blockbusters, including Coolie and Amar Akbar Anthony.

Their collaboration became one of the most iconic actor-writer duos in Hindi cinema, rooted in deep respect and mutual admiration. However, after almost twenty years of camaraderie, their relationship began to falter. Kader Khan later reflected that the change stemmed from a noticeable shift in Bachchan’s attitude following his brief political stint.

The Turning Point in Friendship

In a candid conversation with journalist Prashant Angre on Samay TV’s Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, Kader Khan revisited those years of companionship and the painful distance that followed. He described Bachchan as an actor greatly influenced by the legendary Dilip Kumar, admiring his diction, expressions, and refined performance style. Yet, according to Kader, Amitabh’s commanding voice and towering presence set him apart, giving him the star power that defined an entire era.

The turning point came after the tragic assassination of Indira Gandhi, when her son Rajiv Gandhi encouraged Bachchan to join politics. Once elected as a Member of Parliament, the superstar’s aura changed. When he eventually returned to films, Kader sensed that his old friend no longer carried the same humility or warmth.

The Rift That Ended It All

Kader recounted an incident that symbolized the transformation. A producer once asked him whether he had met “sir.” When Kader asked who he meant, the producer was shocked that he didn’t refer to Bachchan with an honorific. Kader refused to call his longtime friend “sir,” as it felt unnatural and insincere. That simple refusal created a wall between them. Amitabh, he said, began distancing himself, and the easy friendship they once shared 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. It hurt me deeply," he admitted.

Despite his deep hurt, Kader Khan always spoke fondly of their years together. The prolific writer and performer passed away in 2018 at the age of 81, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of dialogue, humour, and heartfelt storytelling.