One of Bollywood’s most extraordinary actors and human beings, Irrfan Khan, has passed away at the age of 54. The actor was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, and was undergoing treatment in the United Kingdom. Yesterday, the Slumdog Millionaire actor was admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he was under observation for colon infection.
While Irrfan was undergoing treatment abroad, he worked on only one film, Angrezi Medium, which released on a digital platform only a month ago. Ahead of the movie’s release, the actor shared a touching message for his fans. “One doesn’t have any other choice but to remain positive. Whether you are able to make lemonade in such situations is entirely up to you. We’ve made this film with the same sort of positivity. I hope this film is able to make you laugh and cry in equal measure,” he had said.
Also Read: He’s Back! Irrfan Khan Shares A Heartfelt Message Announcing His Return To Bollywood
A note from his family, released after this death, read:
“I trust, i have surrendered”; These were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. Irrfan was a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. It’s saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, “As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it.”
Sadly, the news of his death comes just a few days before his mother’s. Saeeda Begum had died in Jaipur on April 25 at the age of 95, and the actor attended his mother’s last rites via video conference.
India Mourns The Prolific Actor’s Loss
The news of the passing of Irrfan Khan has come as a shock to many. While the actor was admitted to a hospital yesterday, his spokesperson released a statement saying that Irrfan is ‘still fighting the battle’. Several people, from fans to actors to politicians are taking to Twitter to express their grief over the loss of the actor extraordinaire.
T 3516 – .. 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 🙏— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) April 29, 2020
Shattered to hear the sad news of the passing away of #IrfanKhan . He succumbed to cancer at a Mumbai hospital. #Irfan (54) died at such a young age .
A fantastic and versatile actor of substance. He left a legacy of his own. #RIP pic.twitter.com/0QEX5WdeXG— Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) April 29, 2020
This is just too sad. I'd worked with #IrrfanKhan in Supari, not our best, but we had a wonderful time together. We met a few times after that & will always treasure the warmth. Not to mention the loss of an incredible actor. Will rewatch his flims to celebrate his life and work.
— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) April 29, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/vjhd5aoFhc
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 29, 2020
Shocked to hear of the demise of Irrfan Khan, one of the most exceptional actors of our time. May his work always be remembered and his soul rest in peace
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 29, 2020
He etched every character in our memories with sheer talent. From the passion of Pan Singh Tomar to a floundering father in Angrezi Medium #IrrfanKhan was an actor to behold. How do you mourn his passing away for he breathes in the characters he left behind .. Om Shanti 🙏
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 29, 2020
"This day has come as a dark unsettling grim emotion. Irrfan Khan is a great self made artist, he rose from doing small character roles in TV soaps to working in academy award winning films as a lead artist, My heart is deeply disturbed at this loss "- #KanganaRanaut#IrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/UlIO2ca2WC
— Team Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) April 29, 2020
An actor who inspired our generation world over with revolutionary performances. Heartbreaking loss. We pray for strength for your family. Rest in peace #IrrfanKhan Sir🙏🏼 ❤️
— Kiara Advani (@advani_kiara) April 29, 2020
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 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 29, 2020
Extremely saddened by the news. #IrrfanKhan was one of the finest actors of the Indian film industry. Undoubtedly, it’s a huge loss for us! I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and close ones. pic.twitter.com/y2JIbb8qex
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) April 29, 2020
Words shall never be enough to describe what legacy you left behind, sir. One of the best actors of Indian cinema & the finest to represent us internationally with his unmatched talent. You shall forever remain an inspiration. Condolences to Sutapa Maam & family🙏🏻#IrrfanKhan
— Yami Gautam (@yamigautam) April 29, 2020
Saddened by the untimely passing of #IrrfanKhan sir🙏 condolences to the family🙏🙏 gone too soon.
— Tiger Shroff (@iTIGERSHROFF) April 29, 2020
Deeply disturbed to hear about the passing of #IrrfanKhan . Such a brilliant actor, gone at the age of 53. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May God give them strength to bear this loss. RIP Irrfan 🙏🌺 pic.twitter.com/XXsLswTjMm
— Kirron Kher (@KirronKherBJP) April 29, 2020
You will forever be remembered for your craft and the legacy you leave behind. One of a kind #IrrfanKhan.. had the opportunity to work with you .. It’s sad that you were taken away at your creative peak .. My prayers are with your family 🙏🏻 ❤️ Bless them at a time like this
— Huma S Qureshi (@humasqureshi) April 29, 2020
Deeply saddened by the news.what a great actor and person irrfan sir was.there’s was no one like him and never will be.huge huge loss ..my heartfelt condolences to the family. #IrrfanKhan
— Amit Trivedi (@ItsAmitTrivedi) April 29, 2020
An actor that every director wanted to work with. A human being that gave his best in every role. Indian film’s most succesful export to Hollywood. A man loved by all. Sad to see #IrrfanKhan leave us, after what we thought was suucesfull fight against cancer. God bess you Irfan .
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) April 29, 2020
Deeply saddened to learn that #Irffan Khan passed away this morning. Gone too soon .. such a powerful actor and how valiantly he fought back the cancer. Its a big loss not only to his family but to the entire film industry. RIP
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) April 29, 2020
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. #OmShanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QSm05p7PfU
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 29, 2020
this is the first time an actor's death feels personal. can't imagine what people who came to know him must feel at this point. we can all try but won't come up with a single instance where we haven't looked at him with awe and admiration. what a man. too soon. #IrrfanKhan
— Durjoy Datta (@durjoydatta) April 29, 2020
Heartbreaking.
Thank you for the stories, Irfan Khan
— Faye DSouza (@fayedsouza) April 29, 2020
IRRFAN KHAN. There shall never be one like you . RIP.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) April 29, 2020
Irrfan was an acclaimed actor not only in Bollywood, but also in Hollywood. His career spanned over three decades, and he acted in over 50 films, fetching him numerous national and international awards. Critics and fans considered Irrfan one of the finest Indian actors, and some of his most game-changing movies include Salaam Bombay!, Maqbool, Slumdog Millionaire, The Lunchbox, Life Of Pi, The Amazing Spiderman, Haider, and Hindi Medium.
Also Read: Irrfan Khan’s Wife Pens An Emotional Letter About His Recovery
Featured Image: Instagram
