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| Irrfan Khan 1967-2020 |
The shocking and heart-rending news of demise of probably the most versatile and charismatic actor of our times Irrfan khan, at the age of 53 on Wednesday 29 April, has left his fans and his craft lovers from India and all over the world in tears and sorrow. This news alone is more than enough to mention how wretched the year 2020 has been so far.
Irrfan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018. He battled with the disease for two years and on Wednesday 29 April 2020, he left us with the fond memories of his excellent performances in movies.
No one can forget those big eyes which needed no dialogues to express the emotions, that deep voice which elevated the impact of every word spoken, Irrfan gave us many masterpieces with his power pact and distinguished performances.
Early days and personal life
Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan, well that's what his full name is, was born in Tonk district of Rajasthan, in a Pathan family. His father Yaseen Ali Khan, ran a tyre business in Khajuriya village of Tonk district and his mother Saeeda Begum Khan was from Jodhpur.
Irrfan was good at cricket, and was selected to play in C.K.Nayudu trophy in the under-23 category. Although, he did not attend the tournament as he was unable to bear the travel expenses.
He shifted his interest to acting under the influence of his maternal uncle, who himself was a theatre actor in Jodhpur. Irrfan was introduced to eminent theatre artists in Jaipur, where he did several stage performances. After completing his M.A. in Jaipur, Irrfan joined National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi to study acting in 1984.
Irrfan married his friend and fellow graduate from NSD Sutapa Sikdar, after a long courtship in 1995. Sutapa, a low profile star wife who always stood by Irrfan in every good or bad phase, from days of struggle to the days of rewards. The couple was blessed with two sons, Ayan and Babil.
His beginning as a TV actor
Khan got a very small role in Mira Nair's "Salaam Bombay!", just after he completed his graduation from NSD in 1987. Though, his scenes did not make it to the final cut. He then started his journey by working in television shows.
He played Lenin in a Doordarshan' teleplay named "Laal Ghaas Par Neele Ghode". Irrfan also played the role of a psycho killer in the serial Darr. He also worked in some episodes of star best sellers (star plus) and Bhanwar (set India). His notable work on TV included shows like Chanakya, Chandrakanta, Banegi Apni Baat, Mano Ya Na Mano, Jai Hanuman etc.
Success in movies
Irrfan Khan acted in Basu chatterjee's acclaimed movie "Kamla ki maut" (1989) and "Ek doctor ki maut" (1990), and some other movies that went unnoticed in that time period. He also played lead in Asif Kapadia's "Warrior" in 2001, which was shown in some international film festivals.
Irrfan's first breakthrough performance came in Vishal bhardwaj's "Maqbool" (2003), which was an adaption of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Irrfan's powerful performance in the movie was enjoyed and admired by fans and critics both.
Another such breakthrough performance of Irrfan was in the movie "Haasil" directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, Irrfan won the Filmfare award for best actor in a negative role for the movie. Imagine that it took Industry almost 15 years to acknowledge the calibre of such artist.
After his movie "Rog", a critic wrote in his admiration "Irrfan's eyes speak louder than his words", going a step forward I would say that those eyes were so powerful that they did not need any words.
He again showcased his talent in the movie "Life in a.. Metro", where his comic timing and chemistry with Konkona Sen Sharma was the USP
of the movie.
His outstanding performance in the movie "Paan Singh Tomar"(a must watch) in 2012, where he played the main protagonist, the real life story of an athlete turned dacoit, won him the prestigious National Award.
"Lunchbox" was one such another amazing acclaimed movie, a display of Irrfan's craft; the movie won Grand Rail d'Or at Cannes film festival and received a BAFTA nomination.
Even in a guest appearance in the movie "Haider" he made his presence felt. His notable work in Indian cinema included movies like "Piku" where he starred alongside Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan, "Talvar" which was a critically acclaimed thriller, "Hindi medium" which was a big blockbuster of his career. Angrezi Medium was his last movie.
International recognition
Irrfan was not just revered in India for his skills, he was also praised and admired globally for the way he astonished people with his flawless performances in Hollywood and other international projects.
Asif Kapadia's "The Warrior" can be considered as the first international project of Irrfan. Mira Nair's "The Namesake"(2006) based on the novel of Jhumpa Lahiri of the same name, where he was paired opposite Tabu, can be considered as the movie by which he made his way in global cinema.
Irrfan played an important role of a police inspector in Danny Boyle's Oscar award winning "Slumdog Millionaire"(2008). "New York, I Love you" an episodic movie in which Irrfan starred alongside the talented Natalie Portman, this portion of the movie was directed by Mira Nair.
In the year 2012 Irrfan appeared in the movie "The Amazing Spider-Man", a super hero origin movie, in which Irrfan had a small but important role. "Life of Pi", based on the novel of Yann martel of the same name, directed by Ang Lee, was another globally acclaimed movie of Irrfan.
"Jurassic World" (2015), a sci-fi adventure movie, set 22 years after the event of Jurassic Park, in which Irrfan played the role of Simon Masrani, Park's new billionaire owner. In the year 2016, he worked with the Hollywood legend Tom Hanks in the movie "Inferno". Irrfan also starred in the American movie "Puzzle" in 2018.
Tributes
Along with superstars and celebrated actors of Indian Cinema like Shahrukh, Salman, Aamir, Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam kher, and many more to name, Famous directors like shoojit sircar, Anubhav Sinha, Tigmanshu Dhulia a very close friend of Irrfan (is among very few who attended his funeral) also remembered him and expressed their emotions.
Irrfan was also reminisced in Hollywood by the celebrities he worked with. Famous directors of Hollywood like Marc Webb, Ang Lee, and Danny Boyle paid tribute to him. Hollywood actors like Chris Pratt, Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, etc. also paid condolences to Irrfan.
Goodbye Irrfan
The man with non conventional looks, no six packs, no fancy dance moves, no godfather or no big acquaintance in Bollywood or politics made his place in the entertainment world after a long struggle.
The man who broke many stereotypes as he was born to do so. An artist of the tradition of Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah. The actor who was so natural in his performances that it never looked as if he was acting or playing a character.
Irrfan, physically you may not be with us anymore, but your work and your thoughts made you eternal. Thanks for all those marvellous performances by which you entertained and enlightened us.
RIP, Irrfan.