Bollywood superstar Irrfan Khan has passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2018 and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Mumbai hospital with a colon infection.
However, Bollywood director Shoojit Sircar who worked with him in ‘Piku’ broke the sad news on Twitter. “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,” he wrote.
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.
— Shoojit Sircar (@ShoojitSircar) April 29, 2020
Moreover, the 54-year-old also lost his 95-year-old mother Saeeda Begum in Jaipur just three days ago. The ‘Piku’ actor could not attend his mother’s funeral because of the lockdown.
Khan’s health suddenly deteriorated as a result of which he needed immediate medical attention. He was admitted to the hospital’s ICU. His wife Sutapa Sikdar and two sons were also with him.
His family issued an official statement:
“I trust, I have surrendered”; These were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heart felt 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”.
Twitter grieves Irrfan Khan’s death
Khan had undergone treatment abroad for several months in 2019, working on just one project at that time. His last film was ‘Angrezi Medium’ which hit the screens days before the lockdown.
Bollywood and people across the globe are shaken with the news and sending their condolence messages through Twitter.
Heartbroken to hear about Irrfan’s untimely demise. It’s an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. Deepest condolences to his wife & sons. RIP Irrfan.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 29, 2020
T 3516 – .. just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news .. ?
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 ?— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) April 29, 2020
Irrfan sir, you were the nicest, coolest guy. Every interaction with you was so memorable. The world has lost the most talented actor, the nicest human being and a real fighter!! All my love and strength to the family ? #RIP #IrrfanKhan
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) April 29, 2020
Very sad to hear about Irrfan Khan .
May his work always be remembered and his soul rest in peace ?? #IrrfanKhan— Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) April 29, 2020
Thank you for those indelible movie memories….thank you for raising the bar as an artist …thank you for enriching our Cinema….we will miss you terribly Irrfan but will always always be immensely grateful for your presence in our lives…..our cinema….we salute you?❤️?
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) April 29, 2020
Extremely sad to hear the news of Irfaan sir. Had the opportunity of working with him twice. He was a lovely person and an actor par excellence. I am truly sad and upset today hearing this. ???? #RIP
— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) April 29, 2020
Our loss, heaven’s gain. #IrrfanKhan #RIP Thank you for all the magic you weaved on celluloid. Condolences to the family and loved ones.
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 29, 2020
With a heavy heart I post this tweet . A phenomenal actor , such an inspiration his performances have been for me . He battled for his life but sadly leaves us today . RIP Irrfan Khan . OM Shanti ?
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) April 29, 2020
A fantastic costar, an actor par excellence ,and a beautiful human being , you are irreplaceable #irrfankhan. @irrfank We lost you too soon! Unbelievable. Om Shanti ?? pic.twitter.com/QdEBiSUegw
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) April 29, 2020
Very sad to hear about @irrfank
Was going to meet him after the lockdown.
A great artist like him will surely be missed.
My condolences and prayers for his family. May he rest in peace. #IrrfanKhan— Johny Lever (@iamjohnylever) April 29, 2020
Nothing can be more heartbreaking and tragic than the news of passing away of a dear friend, one of the finest actors and a wonderful human being #IrrfanKhan. Saddest day!! May his soul rest in peace. #OmShanti ? pic.twitter.com/QSm05p7PfU
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 29, 2020
#IrrfanKhan was truly a one of a kind actor and the magic he brought to the screen will be sorely missed. RIP. #gonetosoon
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) April 29, 2020
Khan’s positive attitude towards life
Furthermore, best known for his performance in films like ‘Maqbool’ and ‘Piku’, the actor earned an Indian National Award for his powerful act in sports drama ‘Paan Singh Tomar’. His films ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Inferno’ and ‘Life of Pi’ gave him global recognition.
Before the release of his last film, the actor had shared an empowering video message for his fans, stating that the only choice he had was to remain positive. “One doesn’t have any other choice but to remain positive. Whether you are able to make lemonade in such situations is entirely up to you. We’ve made this film with the same sort of positivity. I hope this film is able to make you laugh and cry in equal measure,” he said.
Surrounded by his loved ones and family, Irrfan left for heavenly abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace.
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