Irrfan Khan: A star we lost too soon

Read Time: 4 minutes

That name was enough to make us stand on our feet and bow down to his talent. He was a warrior. Irrfan Sir wasn’t a star kid. He didn’t have things served to him on a platter. He fought for his place in this industry. And he was worthy of it. 

It isn’t just Bollywood that lost a shining star, it is the whole of mankind. He was generous, down to earth, and a complete human. Anyone lucky enough to be in his presence would swear by his funny bone and witty one-liners.

His raw talent, effortless acting, and his over-all charm made him the finest actor to walk the streets of Bollywood. For me, honestly, I’d take an Irrfan Khan movie over other khans’ any time. He preferred a talented wholesome script over any full-blown overselling script. He was relatable, that man. And he will always have a place in our hearts. So today, let us remember him as the man of excellence that he was. 

He was born in a zamindar family in Rajasthan. His father wanted him to join the family business. But Irrfan sir has other plans. Thank god for that, I couldn’t have imagined Bollywood without him. His first job was as an ac repairman in Mumbai. He joined the National School of drama in 1984 and his career began. The man was loved for his humble nature and witty humor. Later he was chosen to debut in Salaam Bombay.

He turned down interstellar for LunchBox and this movie later won him accolades like Toronto Film Critics Association award and Critics Week Viewers Choice Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Irrfan Khan has also won awards like Padma Shri, Filmfare award for the best actor (Hindi Medium). He is also the proud winner of three international film academy awards, three Indian film academy awards, and spirit award nomination. Irrfan Khan is the first Bollywood actor in two Academy Award-winning movie, Slumdog Millionare (2008) and Life of Pie (2012).

Even though I’d say his performance in all the movies he’s done is phenomenal, I’d still filter out a few I’d go back to again and again, just for him.

Paan Singh Tomar: Through his performance in this movie, he was able to carve a place for himself in the industry. His performance as a dacoit turned athlete won him a national award. It was a win for every commoner child who wants to grow up to be an actor.

The Lunchbox: a simple, fresh, and loving movie, Irrfan sir plays the role of a widower. His acting prowess is proven through his wholesome acting. He was able to loop us all into the story of how beautiful friendship is woven between two people over a lunchbox. An inspiring performance indeed.

Talvar: Meghna Gulzar’s thriller, Talvar, gave us the joy of seeing another spectrum of Irrfan Sir’s acting. He brought his A-game into this movie and we saw what an actually determined officer looks like.

Piku: I remember when I watched this movie, all I could think about was Irrfan sir’s performance. Even though he has a side role, he cast a long shadow over the likes of Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan. Such perfection.

Hindi Medium: Ah! What a refreshing movie. Light-hearted and completely in tune with our modern-day society, the Hindi medium was a class apart. Without any fancy shebangs and bloody shenanigans (Yes, I’m throwing shade at all those over-rated action movie stars), Irrfan Khan won our hearts. No wonder they made a sequel Angrezi medium!

Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi: These movies won him The prestigious academy awards. Words enough right? He was not only recognized in India but the whole world with his phenomenal performances in these movies.

Irrfan Khan was versatile and a powerhouse of acting. He made us feel connected to him through his very real heart-touching performances. No wonder this news hit us so hard. It feels like losing someone close to us, our own family. The world shall always remember you as the one and only “Irrfan Khan”.