Irrfan Khan passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after a long battle with cancer.
The actor’s spokesperson said in a statement, “‘I trust I have surrendered’ – These were some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heart felt 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.’”
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Irrfan was admitted to the hospital’s ICU on April 28 following a colon infection. He breathed his last on April 29.
The actor was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2018 and had been travelling to London for his treatment.
His last Hindi film was Angrezi Medium, which released on March 13 this year. But due to ill health, Irrfan did not promote the film.
Irrfan is survived by wife Sutapa Sikdar and his two children, Babil and Ayan.
Gabriel Macht, the actor who is well-known for playing the lead role in the legal drama Suits, took to Twitter to pay his respects to Irrfan Khan.
Actress Lesley-Ann Brandt, who is known for starring in dramas like Lucifer, took to Twitter to pay her condolences. “#IrrfanKhan such a beautiful artist. His eyes, I always got lost in them. On screen they told so many stories. Rest In Peace. Pensive face,” the post read.
“#ripirfankhan We have lost one India’s finest actor .The films in which he portrayed his character will always be remember.may his soul rest in peace,” tweeted cinematographer and director PC Sreeram.
Rasika Dugal posted on Twitter, "Thank you for sharing your magic with me Irrfan. You allowed me to walk with you into one of the many worlds you so beautifully & seemingly effortlessly, created.Mesmerized, I have never been able to walk away. I always hoped that we would work again... create again....and I would finally find the words to express what I felt about that time. In another universe... ..soon #RIPirrfankhan.”
Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil shared a long statement about the “actor who changed his life”.
Natalie Portman posted a tribute for Irrfan Khan on her Instagram stories. She shared a photo of the two of them along with the words, "Sending love to Irrfan Khan's loved ones today."
Director Vishal Bhardwaj, a long-time collaborator and friend who gave Irrfan Khan’s breakthrough movie with Maqbool, paid his tributes by sharing a happy photo along with a touching poem on Twitter. The photo shows the two old friends sharing a laugh.
Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle told the BBC, "Irrfan was a wonderful actor and a pivotal figure in the making of Slumdog Millionaire. It wasn't a huge role, and in fact on paper it was even less rewarding-looking. But Irrfan saw the possibility of guiding our audience - with his dignity, his grace, his charm, his intelligence and his calmness - through this crossword puzzle of an idea of a film."
In a statement, Saif Ali Khan said, “I have always thought of Irrfan Khan as perhaps the best, most watchable and most natural actor of our times. He was way too young to go. Very very sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and family. May god bless his soul.”
Kal Penn, the actor who played the reel-life son of Irrfan Khan on The Namesake paid his tributes on Twitter.
Angelina Jolie spoke to BBC about working with Irrfan Khan. “He stood out for his generosity as an artist, which made it a pleasure to work in any scene with him. I remember the intensity of his commitment, and equally his smile. I send my condolences and my sympathy to his family, his friends, and all admirers of his work, in India and around the world,” she said.
Actor Chris Pratt, who worked with Irrfan Khan in Jurassic World, tweeted, “So sad to hear about the passing of screen legend @irrfank Irrfan Khan played Masrani in Jurassic World. He was an exquisite actor and human. He will be missed.”
Remembering her Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns co-star, Soha Ali Khan said, "I have always thought of Irrfan Khan as perhaps the best, most watchable and most natural actor of our times. He was way too young to go. Very very sad news . My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and family. May god bless his soul."