TNW, New Delhi, April 29: One of India’s finest and most versatile actors Irrfan Khan passed away on Wednesday, leaving film fraternity and fans shocked. He was 53 year old. On Tuesday, after his health condition deteriorated he was admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he was kept under observation for colon infection.
He had been suffering from precarious health conditions since 2018, when he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumor, a type of cancer. Though last year the actor returned to the work and completed the sequel of 2017 ‘Angrezi Medium’, yet he stayed absent during the promotion of the movie which was released last month.
Confirming the news his team released an statement: “I trust, I have surrendered,’ these were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. It’s saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it”.
Spanning over three decade-career, the actor thrilled the audience with his performances in Bollywood movies such as Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, Haider, Piku, Hindi Medium, among others.
Irrfan Khan frequently featured in Hollywood movies as well; Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire, Inferno, Jurassic World, The Amazing Spider-Man are few prominent among them.
Along with many other awards, Irrfan won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2013 for his role in the movie ‘Pan Singh Tomar’. He was conferred with Padma Shri by Government of India in 2011.
After knowing about his demise emotional tributes from celebrities pour in. Tillotama Shome twitted, ‘Swim, Swim, float, fly, rest @Irrfan Khan. Love to Suttapa and boys. No one may listen but please give them some space and time.’
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, ‘I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. A versatile & talented actor, he was a popular Indian brand ambassador on the global film & tv stage. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends and fans at this time of grief’.’
Actress, Priyanka Chopra condoled in these words, “The charisma you brought to everything you did was pure magic. Your talent forged the way for so many in so many avenues.. You inspired so many of us. IrrfanKhan you will truly be missed. Condolences to the family.”
Legend actor, Amitabh Bachchan expressing his condolence wrote, “just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news .. An incredible talent .. a gracious colleague .. a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema .. left us too soon .. creating a huge vacuum ..Prayers and duas.
Poet and script writer, Javed Akhtar tweet states, “Sad to learn that Irfan Khan has passed away. His death is untimely in the real sense of the word. He had achieved a unique status after a long struggle and great perseverance. As an actor he was a voice not someone’s echo. He still had so much with in him we all will miss him”.
“Thank you for those indelible movie memories….thank you for raising the bar as an artist …thank you for enriching our Cinema….we will miss you terribly Irrfan but will always be immensely grateful for your presence in our lives…..our cinema….we salute you”, film maker Karan Johar condolence tweet said.
Taapsee Pannu underlined that during the ongoing crisis the demise of Irrfan is tormenting, “When we thought nothing could make us feel worse, this happened. I think I will refuse to believe you are no more by watching all your work time and again and again and again. I have known you that way and shall continue to know you that you forever. You are the best we have Irfan Khan”.
