Bollywood star Irrfan Khan, known internationally for his roles in hit films “Life Of Pi”, “Slumdog Millionaire,” and “Jurassic World” died Wednesday, his representatives confirmed. He was 53.
“It’s saddening that, we’ve to bring forward the news of his death,” read a press release from Khan’s PR agency, Hardly Anonymous Communications. “Irrfan was a robust soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came on the brink of him.”
Khan, one among India’s best-known and most beloved actors, revealed in March 2018 that he had been diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumor — an abnormal growth that begins within the body’s specialized neuroendocrine cells, consistent with the Mayo Clinic.
Khan was known for his nuanced and understated performances, with many calling him one among India’s most talented actors.
Irrfan Khan, the actor of ‘Maqbool’ and ‘Angrezi Medium’ tribute to Bollywood star’s
He was so highly respected, director Wes Anderson once wrote him apart with great care he could work with him.
He later underwent treatment during a London hospital for the illness, which affects cells that release hormones into the bloodstream.
Khan had been in medical care during a Mumbai hospital since Tuesday with a colon infection.
Bollywood stars and politicians rushed to pay tribute on social media.
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
“An incredible talent… a gracious colleague… a prolific contributor to the planet of Cinema… left us timely … creating an enormous vacuum,” superstar actor Amitabh Bachchan who worked with him on the film Piku, tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his death as “a loss to the planet of cinema and theatre”.
Irrfan Khan’s demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2020
“He is going to be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are together with his family, friends, and admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.
Irfan Khan was a versatile actor. Sorry to hear about his demise. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) April 29, 2020
The last rites of the actor were performed by his sons Babil and Ayan. a press release released by his family said, “Irrfan was buried at the Versova kabrastan in Mumbai at 3 pm this afternoon soon after the news of his death was announced. In presence were his family, close relatives, and friends. Everyone paid their final respects and mourned the loss of his death. We pray for his peace and that we hope he’s during a better place today. He was strong in his fight, and that we all need to be strong.
His spokesperson said he had ‘spent his final hours surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about.’
They wrote during a statement: ‘”I trust, I even have surrendered”, these were a number of the various words that Irrfan expressed during a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer.
His grace and dignity alongside his monumental talent as an artist, actor – a portrayer of humanity altogether it’s shapes and forms made me not only have deep admiration for him but I instinctively wanted to emulate that grace in my career also .’
“I’m sorry to listen to about the passing of Irrfan Khan. a flexible & talented actor, he was a well-liked Indian brand ambassador on the worldwide film & TV stage. He is going to be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends & fans at this point of grief,” top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter.
The actor’s last tweet was on a personality from Angrezi Medium, his last film. “Mr. Champak’s state of mind: Love from the within, ensuring to point out it outside!” he had tweeted on April 12.
