It is a dark day for Bollywood ,as versatile actor Irrfan Khan, 53 has passed away. The actor was admitted in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital due to a colon infection.
“‘I trust, I have surrendered’; These were the 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,” read a statement from his official spokesperson.
“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.”
Khan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour, a rare form of cancer that targets various parts of the body, in 2018 and went abroad for treatment soon after. After his return in 2019, the actor shot for Homi Adajania’s comedy Angrezi Medium, the sequel to his 2017 hit Hindi Medium.
Legendary Amitabh Bachchan, was the first to react to Irrfan’s death and he tweeted his anguish
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
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
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
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
Saddened beyond measure by the passing of a human being I had never met, but who gladdened my heart and the hearts of millions with his incandescent talent. RIP @irrfank, gone when he had so much more to give https://t.co/4qscNrSfQv
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 29, 2020
Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress president
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 & fans at this time of grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 29, 2020
Akshay Kumar , Actor
Such terrible news…saddened to hear about the demise of #IrrfanKhan, one of the finest actors of our time. May God give strength to his family in this difficult time ??
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 29, 2020
Shekhar Kapur, Director
An actor that every director wanted to work with. A human being that gave his best in every role. Indian film’s most succesful export to Hollywood. A man loved by all. Sad to see #IrrfanKhan leave us, after what we thought was suucesfull fight against cancer. God bess you Irfan .
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) April 29, 2020
Taapsee Pannu, Actress
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 n again n again n again. I have known you that way n shall continue to know you that way for ever. You ARE the best we have #IrrfanKhan
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) April 29, 2020
Sunny Deol, Actor, BJP MP
Very sad to hear about Irrfan Khan .
May his work always be remembered and his soul rest in peace ?? #IrrfanKhan— Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) April 29, 2020
Anushka Sharma, Actress
With a heavy heart I post this tweet . A phenomenal actor , such an inspiration his performances have been for me . He battled for his life but sadly leaves us today . RIP Irrfan Khan . OM Shanti ?
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) April 29, 2020
Shoojit Sircar, Director,
My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute.
— Shoojit Sircar (@ShoojitSircar) April 29, 2020
Anupam Kher, Actor
Nothing can be more heartbreaking and tragic than the news of passing away of a dear friend, one of the finest actors and a wonderful human being #IrrfanKhan. Saddest day!! May his soul rest in peace. #OmShanti ? pic.twitter.com/QSm05p7PfU
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 29, 2020
Ajay Devgn, Actor
Heartbroken to hear about Irrfan’s untimely demise. It’s an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. Deepest condolences to his wife & sons. RIP Irrfan.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 29, 2020
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
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
Shah Rukh Khan, Actor
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
Salman Khan, Actor
Big loss to the film industry, his fans, all of us n specially his family. My heart goes out to his family. May God give them strength.
Rest in peace brother u shall always be missed n be in all our hearts.. pic.twitter.com/KFQ1RoC1H8— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 29, 2020
Sanjay Dutt, Actor
Gone too soon. #RIP pic.twitter.com/Nw4rEC68U8
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) April 29, 2020
Aamir Khan, Actor,
Very sad to hear about our dear colleague Irrfan. How tragic and sad. Such a wonderful talent. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Thank you Irrfan for all the joy you have brought to our lives through your work.
You will be fondly remembered.
Love.
a.— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) April 29, 2020
Irrfan made his screen debut with the Academy Award-nominated film Salaam Bombay! (1988). And made his mark in both Bollywood and Hollywood with ease. And delivered m,any brilliant performances. The films which earned him accolades include – Haasil (2003) and Maqbool (2004) ,New York ( 2009) Paan Singh Tomar (2011), Lunchbox ( 2013) . Haider (2014), Gunday (2014), Piku (2015) and Talvar (2015).
Globally, Khan worked in several international projects such as The Warrior (2001), The Namesake (2006), The Darjeeling Limited (2007), the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire (2008), New York, I Love You (2009), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Life of Pi (2012), Jurassic World (2015) and Inferno (2016).