Irrfan Khan: Actor who has become a beacon in Indian cinema

Mumbai, April 29, 2020, Wednesday

The son, who was bedridden when his mother died just 4 days ago, could not attend the funeral due to ill health and lockdown. The artiste spoke to relatives via video conference when 95-year-old mother Saida Begum died in Jaipur just four days ago. Now, just 4 days later, this son too has embarked on an endless journey. The death of the mother and son has been just a few hours away.

This is the story of Irrfan Khan, the actor who has become a beacon in the Indian cinema world in a short span of time. Irrfan Khan dies tragically at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai today. Born in 1967 in Tonk, Rajasthan, the actor was just 53 years old.

Irfan Khan's full name was Sahabjad Irfan Ali Khan. His father was a tire trader. Irfan ruled the world of acting on the strength of his talent. He has acted in more than 50 films in his 30-year film career. Irrfan Khan started his film career with television. The actor, who started his career with the film Salaam Bombay in 1998, had no idea that he would travel to Hollywood. Irfan has starred in a number of films like Piku, Haider, Pansingh Tomar, The Lunch Box, Talwar, Maqbool, Hindi Medium and Slumdog Millionaire.

Irfan's voice in the written dialogue of the film kept the audience hooked. Irrfan Khan has acted not only in Bollywood Hindi films but also in British and American films. Her performances in Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park and Mighty Heart are well known.   The National Award for Pansingh Tomar and many of the Bollywood films he has acted in have won Filmfare. Some Hollywood films have even made it to the Oscars. Irfan married Sutapa in 1995 who was with him at the National School of Drama. He has two children, Bavil and Ayan. Wife Sutapa wrote on Facebook that she could not pick up the phone or message for a few days but she will forever be indebted to the prayers of all Irfan's fans.

Two years ago, in March 2018, Irrfan Khan was diagnosed with a disease called neuro endocrine tumor. He himself tweeted to the fans that he was in serious trouble. He wrote that something in life suddenly happens that takes you further. The last few days of my life have been like this. I have a disease called neuro endocrine tumor but the love and strength of the people around me has given me new hope. He stayed in London for a year to be treated for the disease.

Returned in March 2019 with confidence like a warrior. After receiving treatment, Irfan acted in an English medium film which proved to be the last film of his life. After returning from a long treatment for cancer in London last year, he underwent routine check-ups and treatment in Mumbai under the supervision of doctors. It is believed that his health remained mild even during the English medium. Shunting often had to be stopped and shots were taken again. He was admitted to the hospital due to a colon infection on Tuesday and was in the ICU. Irrfan Khan was a strong and confident man who filled everyone he came in contact with with enthusiasm.