Irrfan Khan, a Bollywood star renowned for his roles in Slumdog Millionaire, Jurassic World, and Life of Pi, is dead. He was 53.
His spokesperson broke the sad news. According to him, Khan died on Wednesday, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital in Mumbai after being admitted for a colon infection earlier this week.
The veteran Bollywood actor who crossed over to Hollywood had revealed on Twitter in 2018 that he was diagnosed with an endocrine tumour, a rare illness affecting cells that release hormones into the bloodstream. He later underwent treatment in a London hospital before returning to work last year.
Two months after, he wrote an open letter about his experience with the cancer treatment where he spoke about the “intensity” of his pain and the “uncertainty” of life.
Death statement
His death was also announced in a statement released on Wednesday.
The statement reads: “‘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 his heavenly 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’.”
Tribute to Khan
Shoojit Sircar, a filmmaker tweeted his paid tribute to the actor: “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.”
Amitabh Bachchan, an actor who worked with Khan in Piku tweeted, “An incredible talent, a gracious colleague. A prolific contributor to the World of Cinema… left us too soon… creating a huge vacuum.”
Irrfan Khan made his Bollywood debut with Mira Nair‘s Salaam Bombay in 1988; and has starred in numerous films since then. Khan was last seen on the big screen in Angrezi Medium, a sequel to Hindi Medium. It was the last film to open in Indian cinemas before the country was locked down due to the coronavirus.
He is survived by wife Sutapa Sikder, and sons Babil and Ayan.