Actor Irrfan Khan, best known for his roles in films like ‘Angrezi Medium’, ‘Hindi Medium’ and 'Maqbool' passed away on Wednesday. The actor had been unwell for a long time. Earlier this week, he was hospitalised after being diagnosed with colon infection.

The 'Maqbool' actor was known for his skills and was also dubbed as India's face in the West. Khan had been diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018 and had lost his mother in Jaipur three days ago. He was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital with a colon infection.

"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," Khan's spokesperson said. "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."

Director Shoojit Sircar paid tribute to him, and said that he "fought and fought".

My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. cond… https://t.co/zbTEIlRZg8
— Shoojit Sircar (@ShoojitSircar) 1588140362000

Bollywood director and producer, Sanjay Suri, wrote 'gone too soon'.

Very very sad to hear about Irrfan Khan. Gone too soon !
— sanjay suri (@sanjaysuri) 1588141632000

Film director, Onir, called it 'huge loss for the industry'.

Very sad to hear about #IrrfanKhan . A huge loss for the industry. just 54 ... he will remain forever cherished as… https://t.co/yIq0Rb3OOm
— Onir (@IamOnir) 1588141821000

Tributes poured in for the actor from across Twitter.

There was and will be no one like you #IrrfanKhan you will remain one of the greats! So special and so unassuming..… https://t.co/gfsvDp2a0k
— Suparn S Varma (@Suparn) 1588141865000

Goosebumps and tears can't stop with every piece coming across about him. He was more than just an artist. This fee… https://t.co/JXvT5lpNF1
— Ashu (@AshwiniDodani) 1588142741000

Irrfan Khan's last film was 'Angrezi Medium' which was released a few days before the nation-wide lockdown was announced. The film's business was impacted due to the lockdown and it was eventually released on an OTT platform.

Best known for his performance in films like ‘Maqbool’ and ‘Piku’, Khan won a National Award for his powerful acting in sports drama ‘Paan Singh Tomar’. Irrfan was also globally recognised for his performance in films like 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Inferno' and 'Life of Pi'.

Actor Irrfan Khan passes away at 53 in Mumbai