Inarguably the best actor ho his generation, Irrfan Khan was perhaps the most natural and effortless actor too. An actor par excellence he left 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 proof of his extraordinary talent, hard work, and undying spirit.
I’ve realized that my… let me call it ‘destiny’ or some force that has pushed me to identify looking for your comfort zone as a kind of limitation. And everybody has a tendency to fall into the comfort zone. I did that in the early stage of my career.
Irrfan Khan
Early Life
Irrfan Khan, born Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan on January 7, 1967, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. 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 father, Yaseen Ali Khan, ran a tire business, while his mother, Saeeda Begum, was a homemaker. Irrfan was the eldest of four siblings. He had two brothers, Salman and Imran, and a sister, Rukhsana.
Growing up in Jaipur’s Tonk Hakim area, Irrfan experienced a modest upbringing despite his family’s aristocratic roots. His father often took him hunting, but Irrfan developed an aversion to killing animals, reflecting his sensitive nature. As a child, Irrfan was shy and reserved. He stammered, which made him self-conscious. He found solace in cricket, dreaming of becoming a professional player. His family, however, prioritized education over sports. Irrfan’s early exposure to theater came through watching street plays in Jaipur, sparking his interest in acting.
The Making of Irrfan Khan
Irrfan’s initial study completed at a local school in Jaipur. He excelled in academics, particularly in science. Initially, he enrolled in a Master’s program in Jaipur but left to pursue acting. But his passion for acting led him to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. He earned a scholarship to attend NSD trained their from 1984 to 1987, refining his craft under mentors like M.K. Raina.
During his final year, he secured a role in Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! (1988), marking his film debut with a small part as a letter writer. After NSD, Irrfan moved to Mumbai. He started his career with television roles, appearing in serials like Chanakya (1990), Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), and Banegi Apni Baat (1993).
Irrfan worked extensively for TV and starred in iconic serials like Shrikant (1987), Kahkashan (1991), Jazeere (1991), Lal Ghas Per Neele Ghodey (1992), AnuGoonj (1993), Kirdaar (1993), Chandrakanta (1994), The Great Maratha (1994), Banegi Apni Baat (1995), and many more.
Some of his early films include Basu Chatterjee’s Kamla Ki Maut (1989), Govind Nihalani’s Drishti (1990), Tapan Sinha’s Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1990) – and Govind Nihalani’s Pita (1991).
Mesmerising The World
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 breakthrough came with The Warrior (2001), directed by Asif Kapadia. In the film, he played Lafcadia, a warrior seeking redemption. The film won a BAFTA Award for Best British Film. Critics praised Irrfan’s raw intensity and his ability to channel the chracter in its true form. Despite the critical praise he was still not the big name in Hindi films. Haasil (2003), directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, established him in Hindi cinema. He portrayed Ranvijay Singh, a student leader turned criminal. His performance earned him a Filmfare Best Villain Award.
Haasil
In Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Haasil (2003), Irrfan played Ranvijay Singh, a college student turned criminal in Allahabad’s politically charged environment. His performance blended menace with vulnerability, making the character both terrifying and human. A pivotal scene was Ranvijay’s confrontation with rival Gauri Shankar Pandey played by Ashutosh Rana. Irrfan’s body language—clenched fists, a cold stare, and a chilling smile—conveys Ranvijay’s hunger for his goal. This role won him the Filmfare Best Villain Award in 2004. India Today called his performance “a masterclass in controlled aggression,” highlighting his ability to dominate the screen.
Maqbool
Irrfan Khan took on the titular role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Maqbool (2003), a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. He played Maqbool, a loyal henchman who betrays his boss for power and love. Irrfan’s portrayal captured the character’s inner turmoil with haunting precision. One standout scene occurs when Maqbool, consumed by guilt after murdering Abbaji (Pankaj Kapur), sits alone in a dimly lit room. His eyes, filled with fear and regret, speak louder than words.
Irrfan’s silent intensity in this moment earned praise from critics, with Rediff noting his ability to “convey a storm of emotions without a single line.” He was also praised for his chemistry with Tabu, who played Lady Macbeth, the scene between them hits on different level. The film marked a turning point, establishing him as a powerhouse in Indian cinema.
Rog
One more important film of Irrfan was Rog (2004), which was inspired by Hollywood classic Laura (1944). The film was not a success, but it has two things – memorable songs and Irrfan. It had KK’s haunting “Maine Dil Se Kaha,” and “Tere Is Jahan Mein.” The film also had one of the most layerd, and intense performance by Irrfan. As the brooding cop, who is frustrated with everything around him. Early in the film he told about his sucidal thouights to a psychatrist and who ask the reason behind it. Irrfan starts his answer with “Man oob sa gaya Hai,” a simple line with weight of all his troubles. Tasweermahal recomond it for Irrfan and his genius.
The Namesake
Irrfan portrayed Ashoke Ganguli in Mira Nair’s The Namesake, where he again paired him with Tabu. A story of a Bengali immigrant family, navigating life in America. He played a reserved father balancing cultural roots with new challenges. One memorable scene occurs when Ashoke explains to his son Gogol (Kal Penn) the significance of his name, inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s book that saved Ashoke’s life in a train accident. Irrfan’s gentle tone and wistful expression reveal Ashoke’s longing for connection. The New York Times praised his “understated warmth,” noting how he brought authenticity to the immigrant experience. This role introduced Irrfan to a global audience, showcasing his cross-cultural appeal.
Life in a… Metro
In 2007 he was part of the ensamble cast of Anurag Basu’s Life in a… Metro (2007), a moving portrayal of the complexities of urban life. There are great actors in the film frrom KK to Dharmedra and Konkana to Kangana. But for me, the standout was Irrfan, in a role that, if not portrayed by him, would have been a clown. The way he said “Lahnga to uske nap ka sil gya ,” was pure magic. Irrfan was a fresh breath of air, and when he was on screen, you couldn’t help but smile in an otherwise heavy film.
Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
Irrfan starred as the titular character in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Paan Singh Tomar (2012), a biopic about an athlete-turned-dacoit. He portrayed Tomar’s journey from a national steeplechase champion to a fugitive in the Chambal Valley. The defining moment in the film was when Tomar, after losing his land to corrupt officials, decides to take revenge. Irrfan’s dialogue, “Beehad mein baaghi hote hain, dakait parliament mein,” delivered with raw anger, became iconic. His physical transformation—running barefoot in rugged terrain—added authenticity. The role won him a National Film Award for Best Actor in 2013. Filmfare noted that Irrfan “breathed life into a forgotten hero.”
Life of Pi
In Ang Lee’s Life of Pi (2012), Irrfan played the adult Pi Patel, narrating his survival story after a shipwreck. His role framed the film’s narrative, blending spirituality with resilience. A standout moment comes when Pi recounts his ordeal to a writer (Rafe Spall), saying, “Which is the better story?” Irrfan’s calm delivery and piercing gaze convey Pi’s wisdom and faith. The film won four Oscars, including Best Director. Variety praised Irrfan’s “soulful narration,” noting how he anchored the film’s emotional core.
The Lunchbox
Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox (2013), featured Irrfan as Saajan Fernandes, a lonely widower in Mumbai. Saajan forms an unexpected bond through a misdelivered lunchbox. His performance captured the quiet despair of urban isolation. A key scene shows Saajan reading a letter from Ila (Nimrat Kaur) on a crowded train. Irrfan’s face shifts from stoic to a faint smile, revealing a flicker of hope. This subtle transformation moved audiences, with The Guardian calling it “a study in minimalism.” The film premiered at Cannes, winning the Critics Week Viewers Choice Award.
Other International Venturs
He also acted with Angelina Jolie in Michael Winterbottom “A Mighty Heart (2007).” The film tells the story of the search for Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped in Pakistan. The actor’s versatility was evident in his ability to transcend boundaries. one of his most imprtant film was Slumdog Millionaire (2008), directed by Danny Boyle, featured Irrfan as a police inspector. He also acted in Hollywood films like New York, I Love You (2008), The Amazing Spider-Man (2014), Jurassic World (2015), and Inferno (2016).
Hindi Medium
Irrfan took on the role of Raj Batra in Saket Chaudhary’s Hindi Medium (2017), a satirical take on India’s education system. He played a Delhi businessman striving to secure his daughter’s admission into an elite school. A memorable scene shows Raj pretending to be poor to qualify for a school quota, awkwardly adjusting his posture and speech in front of officials. Irrfan’s comedic timing and vulnerability shone through, earning laughs and empathy. He won the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 2018 for this role. The Times of India called his performance “a perfect balance of humor and heart.”
Some of his other notable films include Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008), New York (2009), Billu (2009), Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011), 7 Khoon Maaf (2011), Qissa (2013), Haider (2014), Piku (2015), Talvar (2015), Madaari (2016), Hindi Medium (2017), Qarib Qarib Single (2017), Karwaan (2018), and Angrezi Medium (2020).
His Carft
Irrfan Khan approached acting with a focus on authenticity. He relied on observation and internalization. He studied human behavior closely, often watching people in public to understand their nuances. At NSD, he learned to break down characters into their emotional core. He avoided over-rehearsing, preferring spontaneity on set. In Paan Singh Tomar, he spent time with the athlete’s family in Chambal to grasp his mindset. He mastered the local dialect and physicality for authenticity.
Irrfan emphasized minimalism in his performances. He used silence and subtle expressions to convey depth. In The Lunchbox, his character’s loneliness spoke through long, quiet gazes. He often improvised, bringing unexpected layers to his roles. Directors appreciated his ability to elevate scripts. His international projects like Life of Pi showcased his ability to adapt across cultures while maintaining emotional truth.
Personal Life
Khan married Sutapa Sikdar, his classmate NSD graduate and a writer, on February 23, 1995. They had two sons, Babil and Ayan. Irrfan met Sutapa Sikdar, a writer, at NSD in 1984. They fell in love during their training. They married on February 23, 1995, in a simple ceremony. The couple had two sons: Babil, born in 1997, and Ayaan, born in 2000. Sutapa supported Irrfan throughout his career, often providing creative input. His older son Babil has since pursued acting, debuting in Qala (2022).
He was known for his love of reading and playing cricket, a sport he was passionate about since childhood. Interestingly he was even selected for the CK Nayudu Trophy, but couldn’t attend due to lack of funds.
It pains me when a film actor or a cricketer is a youth icon. I don’t have anything against them. They are great entertainers; they are useful to the society. They contribute to people’s lives. But they are not heroes.”
Irrfan Khan
He left us wanting for more.
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.
Irrfan Khan on IMDB
