Amitabh Bachchan's 'Sir' request ended Kader Khan friendship

The enduring creative and personal bond between Bollywood icon Kader Khan and megastar Amitabh Bachchan, which flourished for nearly two decades from the 1970s, eventually faced a significant downturn. Khan, a celebrated screenwriter and actor, collaborated with Bachchan on major films like 'Amar Akbar Anthony' and 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar'. Their partnership was marked by deep mutual respect and trust.

This strong rapport saw Bachchan once intervene to secure a script deal for Khan, who agreed to write 'Khuddar' without initial payment. Khan also staunchly defended Bachchan's career when rumors of his retirement for politics circulated, even vowing to leave the industry himself if Bachchan did. This demonstrated profound loyalty and admiration.

However, their closeness reportedly waned. According to film historian Hanif Zaveri, a turning point occurred when Khan was asked by a producer to address Bachchan as 'Sir' upon the latter's return to films after a political stint. Khan's refusal to do so marked the beginning of their differences, leading to their eventual drift apart. This shift underscored a poignant change in their once-unshakeable friendship.