It was in 1988 when he had made his debut in the industry with Salaam Bombay! and with his own share of ups and downs, he made his place in the showbiz world. An NSD actor made us believe in the magic of cinema and became one of the finest actors of B-town. If we had to define him, he was an exemplar of sheer determination and perseverance, on-screen as well as off-screen. Unfortunately, we have to use past tense now for B-town well-acclaimed and finest actor, Irrfan Khan. (Also Read: Irrfan Khan Reveals How Wife, Sutapa Sikdar Fulfils His Sweet Cravings In Healthy Way As He's Unwell)
It feels unreal and we hope it to be a hoax but Irrfan Khan, who was last seen in Angrezi Medium, had taken his last breath on April 29, 2020. No words can do justice in the loss of such a great artist. It was on April 28, 2020, when Irrfan was admitted at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for colon infection. In an official statement, his spokesperson had said, "Yes, it is true that Irrfan Khan is admitted to ICU at Kokilaben in Mumbai because of a colon infection. We would keep everyone updated. He is under doctor's observation. His strength and courage have helped him battle and fight so far and we are sure with his tremendous willpower and prayers of his well wishers, he will recover soon."
Irrfan Khan left for heavenly abode, leaving a great void in the art industry. Though Irrfan had left behind bits and pieces of his life in his work, his absence is surely going to be much more than that. Paying his tribute, Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, “just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news .. Folded hands 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.” Shoojit Sircar confirmed the news and tweeted, “My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute.” Arvind Kejriwal also tweeted, “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.” Here's how B-town celebs payed their tribute to the actor: (Also Read: Irrfan Khan Pens Emotional Yet Strong Note On Returning To Work After Battling With Brain Tumour)
The official statement can be read as "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 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."
It was in 2018 when the entire world went in for a momentary shock when Irrfan Khan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour. But with sheer determination, perseverance and support from his family, he had recovered. His wife, Sutapa Sikdar had penned a heartfelt letter about the ‘longest year’ of their lives and thanked her husband’s fans, friends and family who had prayed for his recovery. The mind behind Madaari and Qarib Qarib Singlle, Sutapa had written, “Longest year of our life. Time was never measured with pain and hope at the same time ever. While we take our babysteps back to work, to life I am submerged in prayers wishes and faith from friends relatives strangers and a connection with universe which gives us a small chance for this new start.”
Sutapa Sikdar’s note had further stated, “It seems unbelievable …never ever I realized the meaning of the word unpredictable so well…never ever I could feel peoples wishes on my bones my breath my heartbeat which helped me to stay focused and kicking.. I can’t take names because there are names and there are names I don’t even know who played angels. Sorry for not been able to answer individually but I know what you mean to us. I don’t see beyond one day and that day is today where everything seems fine. For today we go back to work, and the dance and song of life continues. Thank you for believing in your prayers.” (Also Read: Irrfan Khan And Sutapa Sikdar Love Story: Today She Is His Biggest Fan And Best Critic)
Rest in peace, Irrfan Khan!
