End of a fine era: Irrfan Khan dies at 53

Shocking millions of fans amid the Covid-19 pandemic, news appeared on Wednesday that Indian actor Irrfan Khan had passed away. Known for his portrayal of unconventional characters in Indian films and internationally for his roles in films like Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi and Jurassic World, Khan passed away in a Mumbai hospital at the age of 53, his agency announced.

The actor had earlier undergone treatment in a London Hospital for a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018. Khan was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital on April 28 with a kidney infection.

After being treated for his tumour, Khan retruned to shoot for Angrezi Medium, which will be known as his last film.

Khan, who was from Jaipur, had lost his mother Sayeeda Begum (95) four days ago. The actor’s mother also died of a prolonged illness in his home town.

In September 2015, Khan was also appointed as the brand ambassador for ‘Resurgent Rajasthan’, a campaign by the state government.

According to The Independent, news of his death was shared on Twitter by filmmaker Shoojit Sircar. “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,” he wrote.

Soon after, social media was flooded with messages posted by fans in the memory of the actors and celebrities posting condolences. 

Veteran film actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, “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 dues.”

Rajasthan’s former chief minister Vasundhara Raje tweeted she was deeply saddened by his demise.

Film director Karan Johar tweeted, “Thank you for those indelible movie memories….thank you for raising the bar as an artist …thank you for enriching our Cinema….we will miss you terribly Irrfan but will always always be immensely grateful for your presence in our lives…..our cinema….we salute you.”

Fellow actors like Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh also took to social media platform to express their shock and disbelief at the news.

The Independent on Wednesday quoted the statement issued by Khan’s spokesperson: “‘I trust, I have surrendered’; These were some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt 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.’”