Irrfan Khan, an iconic Indian actor, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Born on January 7, 1967, in Tonk, Rajasthan, he embarked on a prolific career that spanned over 30 years, gracing both Indian and international cinema screens.
Irrfan Khan, a beloved actor known for his roles in Bollywood and Hollywood, faced a challenging battle with illness before his passing. This timeline recounts his journey and the tributes that poured in from around the world upon his demise. In this tribute, we explore his extraordinary life and career, from his humble beginnings to his global acclaim.
Irrfan Khan Career Highlights
Irrfan Khan’s cinematic journey commenced with a small role in “Salaam Bombay!” (1988). His path to success was marked by years of perseverance. He appeared in several student films at the Film and Television Institute of India, including Reconnaissance(1990).
His breakthrough arrived with the British film The Warrior(2001), leading to starring roles in acclaimed dramas like Haasil(2003) and Maqbool(2004).
He earned critical acclaim for his roles in The Namesake(2006), which garnered him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male, as well as “Life in a… Metro” (2007) and “Paan Singh Tomar” (2011), for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor.
His talent shone brightly in “The Lunchbox” (2013), “Piku” (2015), “Talvar” (2015), and Hollywood productions like “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Jurassic World” (2015), and “Inferno” (2016).
Irrfan’s diverse portfolio includes notable roles in “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), “New York” (2009), “Haider” (2014), “Gunday” (2014), and the television series “In Treatment” (2010).
His highest-grossing Hindi films were the comedy-drama “Hindi Medium” (2017) and its sequel “Angrezi Medium” (2020), both of which earned him Filmfare Awards for Best Actor in 2018 and 2021.
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Irrfan Khan’s Cancer Diagnosis
In March 2018, Irrfan Khan shared on Twitter that he had been diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. This revelation marked the beginning of his courageous fight against this illness:
— Irrfan (@irrfank) March 16, 2018
Treatment in the UK and Return to India
After his diagnosis, Irrfan sought treatment in the United Kingdom for a year. In February 2019, he returned to India, determined to overcome the disease that had touched his life.
Hospitalization and Colon Infection
On April 28, 2020, Irrfan Khan was admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was there to receive treatment for a colon infection, a complication of his ongoing battle with neuroendocrine cancer.
Irrfan Khan Death: Tributes From the World
Despite his strength and resolve, Irrfan Khan tragically passed away on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53:
He would have been only 56 today. He could have done so much and made so many great movies in coming years. I am so sad that one of the greatest artists in Indian cinema died young. My love and respect for Irrfan Khan. pic.twitter.com/9LO305jDdT
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) January 8, 2023
Just days before his death, his mother, Saeeda Begum, aged 93, had also passed away in Jaipur:
Jaipur mourns passing of its son, as actor #IrrfanKhan breath his last today.
Four days ago his mother Sayeeda Begum (95) also died of prolonged illness in Jaipur.
Prayers and strength to the family in these testing times.
Photo: Irrfan Khan with his family in Jaipur pic.twitter.com/lBYqnqdJl0
— Tabeenah Anjum (@TabeenahAnjum) April 29, 2020
Film personalities and literary figures from around the globe paid heartfelt tributes online upon hearing the news of his passing. Their words reflected the immense impact Irrfan had on the entertainment industry and his fans worldwide.
Throughout his journey, Irrfan Khan kept his fans and well-wishers informed about his health. He openly shared his diagnosis on Twitter in March 2018, ensuring that his supporters were with him every step of the way.
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Irrfan Khan’s Legacy and Recognition
Irrfan Khan’s impact on the global film industry was immeasurable. His films grossed over $3.643 billion worldwide. In 2011, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, and in 2021, he posthumously received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award:
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Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian aptly described him as a distinguished and charismatic star in Hindi and English-language movies whose hardworking career was an enormously valuable bridge between South Asian and Hollywood cinema.
Early Life and Education
Irrfan Khan hailed from a Muslim family with Pathan ancestry. His mother, Saeeda Begum Khan, was from Tonk, while his father, Yaseen Ali Khan, came from the Khajuriya village in Rajasthan’s Tonk district, where they ran a tire business. Irrfan’s childhood was spent in Tonk and Jaipur, where he demonstrated a talent for cricket.
He was even selected to play in the CK Nayudu Trophy for emerging players in the under-23 category, a significant opportunity in Indian cricket. However, financial constraints prevented him from participating.
His interest in acting was ignited by his maternal uncle, a theatre artist in Jodhpur. In Jaipur, Irrfan was introduced to renowned theatre artists and honed his skills through stage performances.
Before pursuing acting as a career, he completed his MA in Jaipur and then took a pivotal step by joining the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1984.
During his early days in Mumbai, Irrfan worked as an air conditioner repairman. An intriguing anecdote from his journey involves his visit to the home of his acting inspiration, Rajesh Khanna, in 1984. Irrfan once expressed:
“The kind of craze witnessed by Rajesh Khanna has not been duplicated by anyone. He was the biggest and the most real star Bollywood has produced. I’d say stardom is that feeling of being possessed by your idol; you are so overwhelmed with euphoria you lose touch with reality.”
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Colon Infection: Causes and Risks
The colon infection that Irrfan battled can occur when the lining of the colon, found in the large intestine, becomes inflamed. This condition can result from various factors, including viral and bacterial infections, post-surgery complications, or cancer-related issues.
It’s worth noting that individuals with cancer, undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, are at a higher risk of developing infections and sepsis.
Irrfan Khan’s journey, marked by his resilience in the face of illness, remains an inspiration to many. His legacy lives on in the hearts of fans, and his contributions to cinema continue to be celebrated worldwide. Peel back the curtain on your favourite celeb’s hottest stories with Digi Hind News.
