Gone too soon; Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan passes away at 53
| Updated: Apr 29, 2020, 13:13 IST
In a tragic turn of events, Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has passed away at the age of 53. He had recently been admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital where he was under observation for a colon infection. It was later also reported that he was in the ICU. And while the actor's spokesperson had rubbished rumours about his ill health, the actor now seems to have succumbed to his illness. Irrfan had also been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018.
A statement was issued by the actor's spokesperson, it 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. And 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 his heavenly 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"."
Irrfan Khan was amongst the most talented actors the Bollywood industry has ever seen. Born to a Muslim family in Rajasthan, the actor was the eldest of three siblings and had although shown a keen interest in Cricket, had ultimately opted for acting as a profession after he had earned a scholarship to study at National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1984.
After moving to Mumbai, his career began with multiple television serials which included Chanakya, Bharat Ek Khoj, Sara Jahan Hamara, Banegi Apni Baat, Chandrakanta and more. He began his career in Bollywood with Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay in 1988, post which he appeared in more critically acclaimed films which went unnoticed.
His first Bollywood lead role came in 2005 with film the Rog and post this he went on to star in multiple films that earned him much appreciation and multiple accolades. He was also one of the few Bollywood actors to have featured in Hollywood films and had also garnered mass appreciation for his roles. A few of these include films like Slumdog Millionaire, Jurassic World and Life of Pi.
The actor was going strong with his career until his cancer diagnosis in 2018. Despite struggling with his illness, the actor continued to work on films and the last film he worked on was Angrezi Medium. Needless to say, the actor has left a huge mark in the industry and the audience's hearts. He will be missed. We offer our condolences to his family and loved ones, may he rest in peace.