"An incredible talent, a gracious colleague, a prolific contributor"
Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has died after battling a colon infection.
He was rushed to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on April 28, 2020, and was placed in intensive care. However, on the morning of April 29, he passed away.
Irrfan’s representatives confirmed the sad news in a statement.
“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’.”
Irrfan was one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, with hits like Hindi Medium but he was also one of the few Indian actors to achieve success in Western films, with major roles in Life of Pi and Jurassic World.
Even though he was one of Bollywood’s most popular actors, Irrfan had a reputation for modesty and integrity.
News of his untimely death led to an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors.
Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan said: “An incredible talent, a gracious colleague, a prolific contributor to the world of cinema, left us too soon, creating a huge vacuum.”
Priyanka Chopra tweeted: “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. Irrfan Khan, you will truly be missed. Condolences to the family.”
Such terrible news…saddened to hear about the demise of #IrrfanKhan, one of the finest actors of our time. May God give strength to his family in this difficult time ??
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 29, 2020
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja posted: “Rest in peace Irrfan Khan you have no idea what your kindness meant to me at a time I was at my least confident. My condolences to your family and loved ones.”
Veteran film producer Boney Kapoor also paid tribute:
“We have lost one of the finest actors. He fought till the very end. Irrfan Khan, you shall always be missed.”
Indian politician Rahul Gandhi described Irrfan Khan as a “versatile and talented actor; he was a popular Indian brand ambassador on the global film and TV stage. He will be greatly missed.”
The actor had an excellent career in Bollywood and was renowned for creating a niche for himself with his class acting skills, resulting in admiration by millions.
In March 2018, Irrfan revealed he was diagnosed with a Neuroendocrine tumour. After seeking treatment in the UK, he made a full recovery.
His last film was Angrezi Medium which was released on March 13, 2020. However, due to the closing of cinemas due to the Coronavirus, the film was available digitally on Disney+ Hotstar on April 6.
Irrfan Khan leaves behind his wife, Sutapa Sikdar, and sons Babil and Ayan.
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