Legendary actor of 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Life of Pi' Irrfan Khan passes away
Indian actor Irrfan Khan has lost his life to colon cancer. He took his last breath at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday, 29 April 2020 surrounded by friends and family. Irrfan was known for his work in Indian cinema and his contribution to British and American films. His 30-year long career earned him many accolades including many national and international awards.
Mr Khan battled the tumour for 2 years before returning to India after receiving treatment in London. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Many Bollywood celebrities and Indian politicians paid their respects to Irrfan's demise.
President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind called Mr Khan a “brilliant actor”.
Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Irrfan Khan. A rare talent and a brilliant actor, his diverse roles and remarkable performances will remain etched in our memories. A big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers. Condolences to his family & admirers.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 29, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his condolences and termed the actor’s demise as a loss to world cinema.
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 megastar Amitabh Bachchan also condoled the death of Irrfan Khan. They had shared the screen in 2015 Bollywood drama ‘Piku’.
T 3516 - .. just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news .. 🙏
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) April 29, 2020
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 🙏
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and director Shoojit Sircar of ‘Piku’ also mourned the loss.
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.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 29, 2020
“पैमाना कहे है कोई, मैखाना कहे है दुनिया तेरी आँखों को भी, क्या क्या ना कहे है” Love u pic.twitter.com/yOVoCete4A
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
Irrfan’s death came as a shock to world cinema. He lost his mother just 3 days before his own passing on Saturday, 25 April 2020. Due to his illness and COVID-19 lockdown, Khan could not attend her last rites and reportedly paid his respects via video conferencing.
Irrfan was buried at Versova graveyard in Mumbai at 3 pm IST on 29 April 2020. His last rites were not attended by many due to Coronavirus lockdown in the country.
He was last seen in ‘Angrezi Medium’ that was released on 13 March 2020, just a week before India entered a nationwide lockdown. Apart from Bollywood, Mr Khan was also known for his performance in global cinema with roles in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Jurassic World’, ‘Life of Pi’, and ‘The Amazing Spider Man’.