Irrfan Khan, the renowned actor of nearly 80 films stretching from Bollywood to Hollywood, has died at the age of 53. In 2018 he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. After receiving extensive treatment, he recovered enough to shoot one final film, Angrezi Medium, which opened just last month.
Khan’s 30-year career began in TV soaps, before landing supporting roles in Hindi films. His first English role was in 2007’s A Mighty Heart, part of an incredible run of terrific performances in Best Picture winner Slumdog Millionaire, The Namesake, and more, cementing himself as one of the best actors in Bollywood and the west.
Khan continued to cement himself as a force in Hollywood, lending his dramatic skills to blockbuster films Jurassic World, The Amazing Spider-Man, and another Best Picture winner Life of Pi. His final English role was 2018’s acclaimed indie, Puzzle, which was not only a favorite on this site but around the world.
In 2001 he starred in what I think is quietly among his best films, The Warrior, about a lone feudal warrior who attempts to find peace by giving up the sword. Khan had been considering retirement from acting, and this was the movie that convinced him to keep going. Thank goodness for that movie.
On a personal note, I’m truly heartbroken over this. I interviewed Khan for The Lunchbox back in 2014, and having always admired him it was a bit overwhelming. But he had such a calming presence, humble but confident, and a lot like the characters he played on screen. He was one of the nicest actors I ever spoke to, and he even granted me a personal favor that remains my fondest memory from all of my years attending the festival.
Without going too much into it, I asked him if he would call my friend and former Punch Drunk Critics writer Roxana Hadadi on the phone, just to say hi. I knew she was an even bigger fan of his than me, and thought the shock of having him call would probably give her a heart attack. I was stunned at how quickly he agreed, and the excited shriek she made over the phone is still something that makes me laugh today. And he was so gracious, perhaps a little bit embarrassed about all the attention. We talked more then, even though the interview was over. I’ll never forget it, mainly because I’m still embarrassed to have been wearing a Scott Pilgrim tee that day. So professional.
RIP, Irrfan Khan. You will be missed.
