Irrfan Khan (1967-2020): An actor and a gentleman says goodbye leaving a nation in grief

“I taped him, without his permission, and listening to his voice, I slowly began to form a picture of Ashoke in my mind,” the actor recalled in an interview given to The Times of India years later on how he prepared himself to play Ashoke Ganguli in the film of Mira Nair based on Jhumpa Lahiri's book .

A man loved in his every screen presence, Irrfan Khan was a method actor from the National School of Drama, and have been compared as one who is somewhere in between the methods of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. So from Ashoke Ganguli to the lonely accountant of The Lunchbox, he appeared effortless before camera.

The Piku actor who created some endearing moments for audience with Deepika Padukone in the film where he plays a cab service owner, was often critical of Bollywood mainstream too. He would regret its unimaginative use of songs unlike in the 1950s and 60s. But he was also a very integral part of Bollywood films too. 

"Acting is a very sensitive process of searching your own method. You have to very minutely figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. It is a trial-and-error method. Nobody can teach you in training school how to generate emotion," he once said in an interview with The Hindu.

So when the news of his death came in a world already reeling under the seamless flow of Covid-19 deaths, it only added up to the pain and helpless of millions of his admirers who gave a thumps up to his screen presence over the decades.

India was truly shocked to hear the death of one of its most versatile actors. He passed away at a Mumbai hospital at the age of 53 on Wednesday, leaving an eternal vacuum in the film fraternity.

Khan, who was suffering from cancer, was reportedly surrounded by his family members when he breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

He is survived by his wife Sutapa Devendra Sikdar and two children.

Khan, who will be remembered for his smooth acting, gestures and silent expressions onscreen, was a part of more than 50 Indian films besides several Hollywood projects.

The Academy Award-nominated Salaam Bombay! was the first film of Khan who made his acting debut in 1988.

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Khan mesmerised audience with his roles in Vishal Bhardwaj's Maqbool, Life in a... Metro, Life of Pi, Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, Haider, Piku.

His last film Angrezi Medium was released just before the pandemic Coronavirus swept the country in 2020.

The international projects where Khan stole the limelight include The Warrior, The Namesake, the Academy Award-winning Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, Jurassic World.

At the peak of his career in 2018, Khan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumor.

Khan, the recipient of numerous awards, had received the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour, in 2011.

In a heart-out conversation with journalist Rajeev Masand last year, Khan had revealed why he had chosen film career initially.

"... I am fortunate that I chose this job. Initially I chose it for fame and money... The most important thing to become an actor was to explore and observe yourself and to reflect on yourself and your surrounding and society. That is something I am really fortunate to do that through my job," the Piku actor had said.

Bollywood mourns Khan's death

Acting legend Amitabh Bachchan mourned Khan's death on Twitter saying, " 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." 

Actress Priyanka Chopra tweeted, "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."

Akshay Kumar tweeted, "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."

Nimrat Kaur tweeted, " Words fail to describe my sense of shock and horror to learn about Irrfan Khan’s passing away. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the family at this grave hour. India’s lost one of her biggest icons today. Our world left for the poorer..."

Grieving Khan's demise, veteran actor Anupam Kher left a video on Twitter saying, "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."

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar tweeted, "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."

Actress Bhumi Pednekar said in the micro-blogging site, "So heartbroken on the demise of #IrrfanKhan sir. We are shocked & just sad. My condolences to the family .You will live on forever in our hearts sir. Thank you for entertaining us and giving us such powerful performances .You were an institution & an inspirational force . RIP."

Khan's co-star in Karwaan Mithila Palkar wrote on Instagram, "Happy times, happier memories! Rest in peace, Sir. They don't make gems like you anymore."

(Images: Irrfan Khan Facebook)