Irrfan Khan, one of Bollywood’s most acknowledged and beloved actors, recognized globally for his casting in Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pie, died on the 29th of April, aged 53.
Khan revealed that he had a neuroendocrine carcinoma, a rare cancer where abnormal growths arise from the neuroendocrine cells of the body, in 2018.
— Irrfan (@irrfank) March 16, 2018
He then underwent treatments at a hospital in London for his illness. On Tuesday, Khan was admitted to the ICU of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, because of a colon infection. As Khan’s spokesperson says, even during his final moments, he “was still fighting the battle.” The actor’s mother died last week, but he couldn’t attend the funeral as a nationwide lockdown was imposed in India in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Widely known for his work in Hindi cinema, British films, and Hollywood, Khan made his screen debut with Salaam Bombay! which was nominated for Academy Awards. This was followed by a series of successful movies and dramas such as Haasil, Maqbool, and Life in a…Metro. His outstanding performances in the BAFTA Award-nominated The Lunchbox, and his highest-grossing Hindi release Hindi Medium, earned him international recognition.
He was also a part of many international projects like the BAFTA Award-winning film The Warrior, The Darjeeling Limited, Life of Pi, Jurassic World, and the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.
Not only was he known well as a movie star, but Khan had a reputation for modesty and integrity as well. News of his death sent India into mourning as actors, fans, and politicians took to social media to express their condolences.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
Irrfan Khan’s demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2020
Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas tweeted:
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. pic.twitter.com/vjhd5aoFhc
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 29, 2020
Amitabh Bachchan, another Bollywood legend, said:
T 3516 – .. 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 ?— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) April 29, 2020
Actor Shah Rukh Khan called him, “The greatest actor of our times”.
My friend…inspiration & the greatest actor of our times. Allah bless your soul Irrfan bhai…will miss you as much as cherish the fact that you were part of our lives.
“पैमाना कहे है कोई, मैखाना कहे है दुनिया तेरी आँखों को भी, क्या क्या ना कहे है” Love u pic.twitter.com/yOVoCete4A— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 29, 2020
Khan’s body rests at the Versova Kabristan cemetery in Mumbai.
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Reading, creative writing, poetry writing, and language learning have been my passions since I was young. I have won many Japanese and Chinese language competitions, and many national-level creative writing, art & oratory competitions too. I am still schooling, and passed my O/Levels with distinction passes for English Literature, Japanese, and English. I have also completed my Certificate of Human Resource Management.
