Usually I don’t have any difficulty in writing on difficult subjects, I can deal with my personal emotions and write from the neutral point of view. But today’s topicv is different, I want to write about “Irrfan” and I feel almost incapable of writing a simple introduction, leave alone writing an orbituary.
I m short of words to do him justice so I am posting an old article about his journey, its just a brief sketch of his work…I hope you will add your thoughts to it and may be, together we can complete it as a tribute to the “One and Only”
when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type area specimen book It has survived not only five centuries.but also the leap introduce electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.
Willum Skeener
Irrfan Khan, born Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan on January 7, 1967, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, was an actor par excellence who left an his permanent mark on Indian and international cinema. His journey from a nobody in Jaipur to becoming one of the most respected actors in the world is a proof of his extraordinary talent, hard work, and undying spirit.
Khan’s early life was rooted in his hometown of Jaipur, where he was born into a Muslim Nawab family. Despite his aristocratic lineage, Khan had a grounded upbringing and was known for his humility throughout his life. His passion for acting led him to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, where he honed his craft and graduated with a Diploma in Dramatic Arts.
In the start of his career, Irrfan worked extensivly for TV and starred in iconic serials like Shrikant (1987), Bharat Ek Khoj(1988), Kahkashan(1991), Jazeere(1991), Lal Ghas Per Neele Ghodey(1992), Chanakya(1992), AnuGoonj (1993), Kirdaar (1993), Chandrakanta(1994), The Great Maratha(1994), Banegi Apni Baat(1995)
Khan’s acting career began with a small role in the 1988 film “Salaam Bombay!”, but it was not until the early 2000s that he gained significant recognition. His performances in “Haasil” (2003), “Maqbool” (2004) and Mira Nair’s The Namesake (2006) earned him critical acclaim and established him as a powerful actor capable of delivering nuanced and compelling performances.
Some other notable films of that period were Life in a… Metro (2007), A Mighty Heart (2007), Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008), New York, I Love You (2008), Billu(2009), Yeh Saali Zindagi(2011), and 7 Khoon Maaf (2011).
The actor’s versatility was evident in his ability to transcend boundaries, working in British films such as “The Warrior” (2001) and Hollywood blockbusters like “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Jurassic World” (2015), and “Inferno” (2016). Khan’s portrayal of a range of characters showcased his exceptional talent and brought him international fame.
In 2011, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the arts. His role in “Paan Singh Tomar” (2011) won him the National Film Award for Best Actor, further cementing his status as a distinguished artist.
Khan went on to do films like The Lunchbox(2013), Qissa(2013), Haider (2014), Talvar (2015), Madaari (2016), Inferno (2016), Hindi Medium (2017), Qarib Qarib Single (2017), Karwaan (2018), and Angrezi Medium (2020).
Khan was married to Sutapa Sikdar, a fellow NSD graduate, and the birth of their two sons, They had two sons, Babil and Ayan. He was known for his love of reading and playing cricket, a sport he was passionate about since childhood.
In 2018, Khan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor, a rare form of cancer. He battled the disease with grace and courage, continuing to act and inspire millions until his untimely death on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53. His passing was a significant loss to the world of cinema, and he is remembered for his profound contributions and the legacy he left behind.
Irrfan Khan’s life and work remain an inspiration to aspiring actors and filmmakers. His ability to bring authenticity to every role, his dedication to his craft, and his humble nature are qualities that will continue to influence generations to come.
