Los Angeles, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman has sent her love to the near and dear ones of Irrfan Khan, who died on Wednesday in Mumbai.

Remembering Irrfan, Portman took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with the actor. In the photo, she is in a white bridal wear and is held by Irrfan, who is in a black and white suit with a hat.

"Sending love to Irrfan Khan's loved ones today," she captioned the snap.

The two had featured together in Mira Nair's segment of "New York, I Love You", a 2008 American romantic comedy-drama anthology film.

Ever since the news of Irrfan's demise came out on Wednesday, celebrities from Bollywood as well as Hollywood where he was the face of India, have been pouring in.

Earlier, Hollywood star Angelina Jolie had also expressed her condolences, in a message shared with IANS.

"I had the privilege of working with Irrfan Khan on the set of 'A Mighty Heart'. He stood out for his generosity as an artist, which made it a pleasure to work in any scene with him. I remember the intensity of his commitment, and equally his smile. I send my condolences and my sympathy to his family, his friends, and all admirers of his work, in India and around the world," Jolie said in her message.

"A Mighty Heart", is a 2007 drama directed by Michael Winterbottom based on the 2003 memoir of the same name by Mariane Pearl. The film accounts the aftermath of the kidnapping of Marianne's journalist husband Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, and his subsequent beheading by the kidnappers.

Jolie played Marianne Pearl while Irrfan impressed Karachi police chief Zeeshan Kazmi, in a well-written role.

Source: IANS

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Los Angeles, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie has expressed her condolences on the demise of Indian actor Irrfan Khan, in a message shared with IANS.

"I had the privilege of working with Irrfan Khan on the set of A Mighty Heart. He stood out for his generosity as an artist, which made it a pleasure to work in any scene with him. I remember the intensity of his commitment, and equally his smile. I send my condolences and my sympathy to his family, his friends, and all admirers of his work, in India and around the world," Jolie said in her message.

"A Mighty Heart", is a 2007 drama directed by Michael Winterbottom based on the 2003 memoir of the same name by Mariane Pearl. The film accounts the aftermath of the kidnapping of Marianne's journalist husband Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, and his subsequent beheading by the kidnappers.

Jolie played Marianne Pearl while Irrfan impressed Karachi police chief Zeeshan Kazmi, in a well-written role. Most of the Karachi sequences of the film were shot in Pune.

The critically-acclaimed film was screened out of competition at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, and is widely considered one of the earliest films to train the global spotlight on Irrfan Khan.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistani actress Saba Qamar, who starred opposite Irrfan Khan in "Hindi Medium" has mourned the actors death.

"Deeply disturbed to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. It feels like yesterday coming back from the sets of Hindi Medium. You taught me a lot as an actor and a mentor. Such a brilliant actor gone too soon. I'm at a loss for words. RIP Raj Yours Only, Meeta," tweeted Saba, referencing their on-screen names, Raj and Meeta in the film.

Irrfan was only 54. On Tuesday, he was hospitalised after being diagnosed with colon infection. He had been battling neuroendocrine tumour for several and had been under medical attention for the same.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bharatpur Superintendent of Police Haider Ali Zaidi was a childhood friend of Bollywood star Irrfan Khan, whose death on Wednesday stunned him. Zaidi studied with him in school and college and was his neighbour once.

"I saw him struggling in his tough days -- he would travel hungry in local trains in Mumbai and at times would sleep without having food," recalls Zaidi.

Irrfan's mother, too, had passed away last Saturday.

"She wanted Irrfan to leave the film industry and become a school teacher in Jaipur for easier life and spend the rest of his life in their ancestors' haveli," says Zaidi.

"Despite touching new heights, Irrfan remained grounded... we'd often talk to each other," said Zaidi, adding "while Khan pursued MA in Urdu, Zaidi did his masters in economics."

Zaidi said that Irrfan had a helping nature. The police officer recalled how he saved his life once when he touched a live electric wire by mistake while returning from school. "Khan immediately pushed me away to save my life," Zaidi said.

"It seemed he would call me today and we would again share our memories", said Zaidi, barely holding his tears.

"I could not even attend his last journey," he said.

Irrfan Khan passed away on Wednesday due to colon-infection at the age of 54. His death sent shockwaves across the film world.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood still cannot get over Irrfan Khan's death, and condolences keep pouring in. On Wednesday evening, Saif Ali Khan, Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Kharbanda, and Dulquer Salmaan were among stars who shared their sorrow on Irrfan's demise.

"I have always thought of Irrfan Khan as perhaps the best, most watchable and most natural actor of our times. He was way too young to go. Very very sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May god bless his soul," said Saif.

Kartik took to Twitter to open up on his failure recreate a particular scene of Irrfan from the film "Maqbool", while paying his tribute to the late actor.

"My first ever acting was in a workshop for my first film where all I had to do was try to recreate a scene of Irrfan sir from Maqbool. And I failed. I keep trying that scene often. And I fail. First face that comes to mind when we think Actor. #IrrfanKhan Sir RIP," Kartik tweeted.

Actress Kriti Kharbanda recalled Irrfan as a "wonderful, passionate and incredible human being", and added: "Truly heartbreaking and shocking. It's hard to believe that irrfan sir is no more. An actor par excellence and a wonderful, passionate and incredible human being. U will be missed sir. #ripirrfankhan."

Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan, who made his Bollywood debut in the 2018 Irrfan-starrer "Karwaan", wrote: "Can't wrap my head around this. You were this humongous talent, a living legend, an international movie star. And yet, you treated all of us on Karwaan and everyone you met, as equals. By some ease of your nature, you made us all feel like family. You were kind, witty, charming, curious, inspired, compassionate and always fun."

Dulquer has revealed that he was totally awestruck by Irrfan's personality: "I observed you the entire time like a student and a fan. Thanks to you, all through shoot I had a constant smile plastered on my face. I laughed endlessly, struggled to keep a straight face, and so often stared at you in absolute awe. In return you always had that grin. That amused grin at the world. Almost like it surprised you at all times. It's how I'll always remember you. #thehappiestofsouls."

Mithila Palkar, who also starred in "Karwaan", wrote: "Happy times, happier memories! Rest in peace, Sir. They don't make gems like you anymore."

Singer Papon tweeted: "Can't believe this!! Can't believe I won't see him again!! A dear brother and what a person!! He was a fighter and he fought!! And so did Sutapa! My love & prayers to your soul bro! Will surely see you on the other side! Freaking angry and sad! Will miss the laughs brother!"

Ronnie Screwvala, co-producer of "Karwaan", wrote: "Very very sad to hear of @irrfank passing - have only fondest of memories of many things we did together incl his last swan song Karwaan before he took ill. Actor par excellence - sense of humour and zest for living life to its fullest are what he will be remembered forever RIP."

The Padma Shri actor who was also a proud recipient of the National Award breathed his last in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital early on Wednesday. Irrfan Khan is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and two sons.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Irrfan Khan was a kind and happy soul whose "impeccable smile" left people happy, says his neighbour and actor Shreyas Talpade.

Be it in the lift or lobby of their building in Oshiwara in Mumbai, Shreyas and Irrfan would bump into each other sometimes.

"We have been neighbours for the past couple of years. He moved into the building a little before me. I think six or eight months before we moved in," Shreyas told IANS.

When it came to talking about issues related to the building, Irrfan would be "one little child unaware of what was happening around him".

"He used to say 'Arey ye kya hora hai, tum baat karlo. Mujhse nahi hoga' (what's happening? You go and talk, I can't do it). So I was pleasantly surprised to see honesty and sincerity intact in him," said Shreyas.

He found Irrfan a very caring guy.

"Since the time we moved in, he and Sutapa di would send us vegetables and fruits from their farm. Even as recently as last week, when we told Sutapa didi that we were not finding mangoes due to the lockdown, the same evening Sutapa di and Irrfan bhai sent us a dozen of mangoes," he said.

Due to their hectic schedules, the two couldn't frequently meet but whenever they did Shreyas would feel happy.

"There are very few actors who have the energy that can influence and attract you. Irrfan bhai was one of those. You would feel happy after meeting him. You can't miss that impeccable smile of his. Whenever he would meet someone, he would first greet with a smile then ask 'Kaha kaise ho, dikhai nai diye (how are you?)

"He was a kind and happy soul. Now I feel we should have spent a little more time together," said Shreyas.

"He went too soon, this was not the time for him to go. He was supposed to do a lot more films. I was supposed to learn a lot from him," he added.

The two actors never got a chance to work together.

"There was a time when we were supposed to host an awards night together but he wasn't in the country. He couldn't return on time. This will be one unfulfilled wish...I could not work with him," said Shreyas.

Recalling one of his last conversations with Irrfan, Shreyas said: "He had come back from London after his treatment then he had started shooting for 'Angrezi Medium'. That was the time I met him. It was brief. I asked him 'are you okay? ' He said 'God has been kind. I am recovering. It's been a long fight'."

It surely was as Irrfan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018. He had shown signs of recovery.

But earlier this week, he got admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection. Unfortunately, he lost the battle early on Wednesday.

Source: IANS

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By Sugandha Rawal

New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) In his last-ever interaction with IANS, Irrfan Khan had expressed his wish to cherish life more, saying that health would be his top priority once he recuperated.

Irrfan told us that while recovering, he was not restless about getting back to work, but about getting fit and fine.

"Work was never my anxiety. I'm restless to be fine, to be comfortable with myself," Irrfan had said.

The actor had been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, and had been under medical attention for the same. Irrfan said battling the disease had brought a new meaning to life. There is something almost sadly prophetic in his analysis of the situation.

"Unnecessary worry vanished. We miss out on life thinking, 'let this happen and then I will enjoy'. But that never comes if you don't enjoy now," Irrfan had said.

The actor was still under treatment when he returned to the acting world with "Angrezi Medium", a follow-up to his 2017 hit, "Hindi Medium". He was away from the big screen since the release of "Karwaan" in 2018 -- the year he was diagnosed with the ailment.

Irrfan's final film, incidentally, has also been Bollywood's last film to release in theatres for now, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a total lockdown of the nation. In "Angrezi Medium", he played a smalltown father who will go to any extent to fulfil his daughter's dream of a foreign education, so much so that he lands in a hilarious mess.

What did the film mean to him? "(It was about) Connecting back to reality, (about) Being a father. (It was about) The pleasure of letting go," he had replied.

He left us with a brilliant punchline when we asked if he wanted to take it slow professionally, now that he was returning to the studios despite his illness.

"Life first!" he replied with gusto.

We will miss that verve, on the screen and off it.

Source: IANS

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By Sugandha Rawal

New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Manoj Bajpayee struggles to put his thoughts into words, and says everything has just gone "haywire" ever since he heard the news of Irrfan Khan's demise.

The actor says though Irrfan wasn't his "best friend", they were connected with a very unique thread of rejection and acceptance in showbiz.

"For me to put my feelings in words and really frame it in a way that it all looks organised is tough. After hearing the news of his demise, everything went haywire mentally," Manoj told IANS.

"I don't know how to react to it. The only emotion which is happening inside of me is extreme sadness. I am so sad that it is difficult for me to even think of anything. And I feel exhausted with the heaviness that I am feeling," he added.

Manoj has immense respect for Irrfan as "a contemporary, a colleague, co-actor and as somebody who started at the same time".

"We faced similar kinds of rejections, struggles and acceptance. I feel that I lost a co-traveler. Though he was not my best friend, somewhere I felt that he was somebody whose journey was known to me and who knew my journey," said the actor, who will soon be seen in Netflix's "Mrs. Serial Killer".

Manoj continued: "It is like we were traveling in the same compartment, looking at each other from a distance but not fully knowing personally. It was enough to look at each other from a distance and admire each other. His contribution to cinema and the world of acting is going to be lauded and appreciated for very long."

Irrfan breathed his last early on Wednesday at the age of 54. Irrfan was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection earlier this week. However, unfortunately he succumbed to his ailment. The actor is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and two sons Babil and Ayan.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) German Ambassador to India Walter J. Lindner took to social media to express his condolence at the demise of Irrfan Khan on Wednesday.

"Very sad news: world-known Bollywood (Slum Dog Millionaire) and Hollywood (Jurassic World) actor #IrrfanKhan died today! An incredible talent and prolific cinema-contributor. Many scenes of Slum Dog Millionaire authentically filmed at Mumbai's Dharavi. Went there recently,"Linder tweeted.

Earlier, Indian politicians including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared condolence on social media over the loss of the Padma Shri and National Award-winning actor's family.

"Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Irrfan Khan. A rare talent and a brilliant actor, his diverse roles and remarkable performances will remain etched in our memories. A big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers. Condolences to his family & admirers," President Kovind tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: "Irrfan Khan's demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The sudden demise of actor Irrfan Khan not only jolted the Indian film industry, but sent shock waves internationally as well. Popular celebrities Riz Ahmed and Ava DuVernay lead the charge in condoling his death, remembering him for his exceptional talent.

"Venom" star Riz Ahmed took to Twitter to mourn his demise, saying that Irrfan was a "guiding light for so many of us".

"Rest in peace one of the greatest actors of our time, Irrfan Khan. I never met him but he was an inspiration and a hero to me and millions of others. His work was consistently transcendent, he was a guiding light for so many of us," he tweeted.

He continued: "If you've not seen his work, watch 'The Lunchbox' or 'The Warrior'. A true artist who spanned Bollywood and Hollywood and was acclaimed in both. His words in a letter to a newspaper about his illness are a reminder of his beautiful mind and of life's fragility. His work will live on."

"When They See Us" creator Ava DuVernay also posted an emotional message along with a picture of the actor.

"A grateful fan of #IrrfanKhan here. Gone too soon. When he is on screen, you can't take your eyes off of him. He lives on in his films," she posted.

To DuVernay's post, "Rise Of The Guardians" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse" director Peter Ramsey commented: "I can't believe it. A genius. So great in THE LUNCHBOX. I'm devastated."

With projects like "Paan Singh Tomar", "Piku", "Talvar", "The Lunchbox", "Maqbool", and "7 Khoon Maaf", Irrfan carved a name for himself in Hindi cinema. He has gradually established himself in the West too. He featured in foreign films like "The Namesake", "Life of Pi", "A Mighty Heart", "Slumdog Millionaire',"The Amazing Spider-Man", "Inferno" and "Jurassic World".

Irrfan featured alongside Hollywood actors such as Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in "Jurassic World". The film's director, Colin Trevorrow, shared a heartfelt message along with a happy image of Irrfan.

"Deeply sad to have lost #IrrfanKhan. A thoughtful man who found beauty in the world around him, even in pain. In our last correspondence, he asked me to remember "the wonderful aspects of our existence" in the darkest of days. Here he is, laughing," he tweeted.

"The Warrior" maker Asif Kapadia simply wrote "Love you Irrfan bhai".

The British Film Institute also mourned his death through a post on its Twitter account."We're deeply saddened to hear that Bollywood legend Irrfan Khan has passed away," read the post.

The actor, diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday, leaving the whole world in deep shock.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Deepak Dobriyal, who worked with Irrfan Khan in "Angrezi Medium" earlier this year, recalls the late actor was like an elder brother.

"From making me understand the craft of acting to teaching me how to give genuine expressions on screen, he taught me and helped me a lot, like a big brother. His death is a personal loss," Deepak told IANS.

Irrfan died on Wednesday at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital where he was admitted the day before with colon infection. He even had battled neuroendocrine tumour for several months.

Remembering his late co-star, Deepak recalled how Irrfan happily continued shooting "Angrezi Medium" while undergoing treatment for cancer.

"Despite being in pain, he duly fulfilled his professional commitments. He was not in pink of his health, so I always tried my best to make him smile during our shooting. I used to joke with him and he never felt bad. He always treated me like his chhota bhai."

"It's hard to digest the news of his demise. We had even planned to work on 'Urdu Medium' or 'Chinese Medium'. Now it's dream which will never become true," Deepak grieved.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Jacqueline Fernandez says it is difficult to digest the news of demise of actor Irrfan Khan, despite knowing what he was going through.

"We all were very aware of his suffering. It has been about two years since we got the news (about his illness). And we were aware of it but you know it is never easy for us to accept when someone we love so much and respect so much go. It is so difficult to digest," Jacqueline told IANS.

"I know for a fact that the whole country today was really morbid on hearing of his passing," she added.

The actress says she "wanted to see more of him onscreen and watch more of his work".

"He was a type of actor whom you can't stop watching. And that won't be possible anymore. So it is difficult to digest for us. It is a really painful realisation that an artist like him is not going to be gracing the screen anymore," she added.

Irrfan, who was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, breathed his last early on Wednesday at the age of 54. Irrfan was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection earlier this week. However, unfortunately he succumbed to his ailment. The actor is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and two sons Babil and Ayan.

Jacqueline sent in her condolences for the family.

"His family must be going through deep pain right now so I can just send my condolences and remember him fondly in our hearts and memories," she said.

On the work front, Jacqueline will be seen in the digital film "Mrs. Serial Killer". It will be released on Netflix on May 1.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar are unanimous in declaring that Irrfan Khan was the "greatest actor" of the presentday Hindi film industry.

The Padma Shri and National Award recipient breathed his last in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital early on Wednesday. He has been hospitalised on Tuesday with a colon infection.

Shah Rukh Khan, who cast Irrfan in the title role of his 2009 production "Billu", remembered him as a "friend, inspiration and the greatest actor" of his times".

In his tweet, SRK wrote: "My friend...inspiration & the greatest actor of our times. Allah bless your soul Irrfan bhai...will miss you as much as cherish the fact that you were part of our lives. Paimana kahe hai koi, maikhana kahe hai duniya teri ankhon ko bhi, kya kya na kahe hain...Love u."

Superstar Akshay Kumar, who shared the screen with Irrfan Khan in films like "Aan: Men At Work" (2004) and "Thank You" (2011), shared: "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."

Irrfan's "Piku" co-star Deepika Padukone shared a black screen on her Facebook wall to mourn the loss of the actor. The actress used a heartbroken emoji along with the hashtag #irrfankhan.

Aamir Khan called Irrfan a "wonderful talent". He tweeted: "Very sad to hear about our dear colleague Irrfan. How tragic and sad. Such a wonderful talent. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Thank you Irrfan for all the joy you have brought to our lives through your work. You will be fondly remembered."

Salman Khan described Irrfan's demise with this tweet: "Big loss to the film industry, his fans, all of us n specially his family. My heart goes out to his family. May God give them strength. Rest in peace brother u shall always be missed n be in all our hearts.."

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu called Irrfan Khan a "brilliant actor" and shared: "Deeply saddened by the news of #IrrfanKhan's untimely demise. A brilliant actor gone too soon. He will be truly missed... My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP ."

Hrithik Roshan called him a "rare human being" and said "I will miss you." The actor wrote: "I had not more than a couple of conversations with you Irfan but I have a tear in my eye as I type this .You were a rare human being. I will miss you. Thank you for showing me what being authentic truly means. RIP."

Remembering her "Gunday" (2014) co-star, Priyanka Chopra shared on Twitter: "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. #IrrfanKhan you will truly be missed. Condolences to the family."

Another "Gunday" co-star Arjun Kapoor wrote: "My 3rd film, my first day on set & I had the pleasure of standing in frame with you. It felt surreal then & it feels gut wrenching now to know that's all the time we had together. Thank you for all the amazing work. Hope the pain is lesser wherever you are.
RIP Irrfan Sir."

"Life In A Metro" actress Konkona Sen Sharma feels "the world is a lesser place now". She tweeted: "Irrfan shone so bright that we all reflected in his glory. Who will we look to for such integrity again? The world is a lesser place now. Thank you for having the courage to be yourself and unlocking worlds for us, Irrfan. We will remember you."

Shahid Kapoor called his "Haider" (2014) co-star a "truly gifted actor" and a "wonderful man". He shared: "It's so sad to hear about #IrfanKhan passing away. I have learned so much from him as an actor just by sharing screen space with him. A truly gifted actor. And a wonderful man. He really has #GoneTooSoon I'm sure the heavens have saved a special place for him."

Irrfan's "Jazbaa" co-star Shabana Azmi wrote: "Deeply saddened to learn that #Irffan Khan passed away this morning. Gone too soon .. such a powerful actor and how valiantly he fought back the cancer. Its a big loss not only to his family but to the entire film industry. RIP."

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar tweeted: "#IrrfanKhan was truly a one of a kind actor and the magic he brought to the screen will be sorely missed. RIP. #gonetosoon."

Filmmaker Karan Johar shared: "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."

Anil Kapoor expressed: "Indescribably saddened to hear that we've lost Irrfan Khan. I'll always be thankful to him for taking care of Sonam when they worked together & for being her guiding light at the time. He was an inspiration for everyone, a remarkable actor, unmatched talent & a great human being."

Madhuri Dixit Nene shared Irrfan Khan had a "heart of gold". The actress tweeted: "Saddened to hear the news about Irrfan Khan. One of the finest actors with a heart of gold. My deepest condolences to his family during this tough time."

Manisha Koirala believes Irrfan will continue to live through his "brilliant work in our hearts forever". The actress shared: "You will live through you brilliant work in our hearts for forever, you are irreplacebale dear friend ..our conversations on spirituality, books, films..will remain with me as a treasur #IrrfanKhan #RestInPeace."

Arshad Warsi, who was a close friend of the actor and has shared the screen in movies like "Krazzy 4", expressed: "I just can't believe Irfan is no more. Industry has lost a great actor and I have lost a dear friend.... RIP Irfan ... Khuda Hafiz..."

Source: IANS

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IRRFAN KHAN (January 7, 1967 - April 29, 2020)

Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan seriously nurtured desire to be a cricketing hero. In smalltown India, where cricket and cinema are the twin intoxications that normally drive notions of heroism, the young boy of a tyre seller in Jaipur couldn't realise the dream, so he shifted focus to acting, his other passion that he had been honing doing street theatre.

It is ironic, actually, that his entry into the field he would never make it big seems far easier, compared to his entry into the field that would eventually give him fame and fortune. For, the young Irfan from Khajuriya village near Tonk district of Rajasthan was in no time in contention to play in the CK Nayudu Tournament -- a stepping stone for under-23 cricket in India. Irrfan could never make it, some say owing to lack of funds.

His entry into the world of films, on the other hand, was far less of a fairytale story. He faced the camera for the first time in Pravin Nischol's Doordarshan TV series "Shrikant", based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyaya's novel "Srikanta" and starring Farooq Shaikh and Sujata Mehta in the lead roles. The show ran between 1985 and 1986, and made very little impact. Irrfan's big screen break happened when Mira Nair came looking for fresh and interesting faces in National School of Drama (NSD), to cast in her 1988 film "Salaam Bombay!". She picked Irrfan, a student at the drama school back then, for a small role. The film went to the Oscars, Irrfan was just about noticed.

What followed is years of struggle. For most of the nineties, he was stuck with forgettable roles in television, ignored by bigtime Bollywood. Those were the days of mainstream perfection in our commercial films, which told tales of the perfect hero setting things right in an unsettled world. Irrfan, with his unconventional face and persona, would seem too outlandish to be a hero. His rich voice and screen presence matched any screen villain's, but at that point of time he was considered too young to be the traditional bad man.

Back then for a male actor in mainstream Bollywood to make a mark, you had to be either hero or villain. Irrfan was a misfit for both. There were a few interesting roles in the arthouse and crossover circuit - Basu Chatterjee's "Kamla Ki Maut" (1989), Govind Nihalani's "Drishti" (1990), Tapan Sinha's "Ek Doctor Ki Maut" (1990), and Akashdeep's "Ghaath" (2000). But these roles, despite being well-acted out, didn't give Irrfan the sort of traction he would hope for, to create an impact.

Interestingly, that happened with a 'foreign film' -- which perhaps explains his sustained demand in the international market right till the end. When British filmmaker Asif Kapadia was making his directorial debut in 2002 with "The Warrior", he was looking for a new face -- preferably Indian and unlike any -- for the title role. Irrfan fitted the bill. The film was an international success, and people who mattered in the film industry had noticed.

A year later, two films released within a span of months would turn the tide for the actor. Tigmanshu Dhulia's debut directorial feature "Haasil" and Vishal Bhardwaj's "Maqbool" in 2003 gave Bollywood a very different option in screen villainy. His smalltown goon-politician in "Haasil" and the brooding don in "Maqbool", a Bollywood revisit of "Macbeth", gave screen menace two very different hues.

It was the early 2000s, Bollywood was undergoing a churning, with new faces being welcomed. Most importantly, the advent of multiplexes had thrown open the genre of realism in entertainment. Actors like Irrfan were suddenly in demand. Over the next years, roles in "Life In A... Metro", "Rog", 7and 1/2 Phere", "Sunday" "Mumbai Meri Jaan" and "New York" worked at propelling his popularity.

The big bang role in Bollywood would come in 2012, with "Paan Singh Tomar". Tigmanshu Dhulia's remarkable real-life story of an athlete who becomes a dacoit under circumstances needed an actor who could be vulnerable and resilient at the same time, in projecting a complex torrent of emotions with understated ease. Irrfan's effort won him a National Award as Best Actor. It also underlined an important fact that had been happening through the years -- the actor was a brand on his own accord, not a mere prop in big productions for major commercial stars.

What worked for Irrfan in setting up his unique brand power was the fact that he managed to crack the international scene after "The Warrior". Michael Winterbottom's 2007 release "A Mighty Heart" saw Irrfan essay a Pakistani cop in the grim account of journalist Daniel Pearl's killing. The film did not work, but when you play an almost parallel role in a film starring Angelina Jolie, you get noticed worldwide. The immediate outcome was his turnaround project -- Danny Boyle's 2008 global blockbuster "Slumdog Millionaire". The film's success and massive Oscar haul made everybody associated with it famous. Hollywood, forever looking for exotic faces, suddenly found a viable deal in Irrfan.

It helped Irrfan for two reasons. First, Indian and Asian origin directors such as Mira Nair and Ang Lee, with Indian and Asian characters, had grown in stature in the West. This translated to important roles in films such as "New York I Love You" (2009) and "Life Of Pi" (2012). Secondly, Indian roles in mainstream Hollywood projects were no longer about playing the cabbie. The age of inclusion was upon Hollywood, and Irrfan bagged pivotal roles in "The Amazing Spider-Man" (2012), "Jurassic World" (2015), and "Inferno" (2016), besides voicing Baloo the bear in "The Jungle Book".

Juggling his acts between the varying shades of "The Lunchbox" (2013), "Haider" (2014), "Piku" (2015), "Talvar" (2015), "Hindi Medium" (2017), and "Karwaan" (2018), Irrfan had clearly reached his best phase of career in Bollywood.

At the same time, in veteran director Marc Turtletaub's 2018 Hollywood drama "Puzzle", Irrfan finally got to play the hero, opposite Kelly Macdonald. The film won critical acclaim and found favour among the niche audience.

Irrfan's finest hour -- in Bollywood as well as Hollywood -- was just. Which makes his demise an irreparable loss for us, on the other side of the screen.

The 53-year-old actor is survived by his wife Sutapa and their sons, Babil and Ayan. For the record, the actor has been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour a while back, and has been under medical attention for the same.

For his fans, Irrfan will live on. Incredibly, on the screen.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) National award-winning filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, a frequent collaborators with the late Irrfan Khan, says the sudden demise of the actor tore him apart.

"I feared that he would be gone much before his time but didn't expect that it will be so devastating and ravaging to me personally. It feels as if I am torn into two parts. A part of me has died with him," said Vishal.

Vishal has directed Irrfan in films such as "Maqbool", "Haider" and "7 Khoon Maaf". According to unconfirmed sources , the filmmaker had planned a film bringing together the "Piku" pair of Irrfan and Deepika Padukone. Butthat was not to be.

Irrfan had been admitted in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection on Tuesday and passed away on Wednesday.
The actor has been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour a while back and has been under medical attention for the same. He even went abroad for treatment.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) From Hindu mythological character Lord Krishna, to a proposal to portray the lead in the upcoming Hindi movie Udham Singh, film makers from Bengal had considered Irrfan Khan for a number of meaty roles which failed to materialise due to his sickness or other unforeseen developments.

Doffing their hats to the genius who passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday morning, the auteurs are now left ruing the missed chances to realise their dream of working with him.

Celebrated director Aparna Sen, who described Khan as an actor of rare talent in the world of films, said she had sent two proposals to him to play vital characters in her movies.

"I wanted so much to work with him. We had held discussions twice. I wanted to cast him in the role of Krishna. But due to various reasons the film did not materialise," said Sen, winner of 18 international and national film awards.

Sen said some time back she had also contacted him to play a part in a freshly conceived movie project.

"But he sent a communication that he was in no position to do the film as he would have to undergo a brain surgery," said a crestfallen Sen, known for churning out much-acclaimed movies like 36 Chowringhee Lane, Paroma, Sati, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer and The Japanese Wife.

Sen recalled the out-of-the-world silent reactions Khan gave in "Lunch Box".

"I am remembering his face, his acting in Maqbool, It's a huge loss".

Another venerated director Gautam Ghose lamented that he had offered to cast Khan in the main role in a movie based on a story by the late writer-painter Kamal Kumar Majumdar.

"The film never took place, as the producer passed away. He was so happy after I chose him. But my dream to work with him remained unrealised," said Ghose, who described Khan as a "great actor" and a "sensitive person".

Ghose said Khan had created a new acting genre which brought him laurels not only in India, but also internationally.

Shoojit Sircar, who had directed Khan in the 2015 Hindi comedy drama "Piku", initially roped in Khan for the title role in his upcoming biopic Udham Singh. But he had to opt for Vicky Kaushal due to Khan's indisposition.

On Wednesday, Sircar paid a glowing tribute to Khan.

"My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute," he posted on Twitter.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Irrfan Khan was a true on-screen chameleon who smoothly transformed from a top athlete to a bandit to a common man looking for a bride to a doting dad in films. The actor is no more, but his memorable roles in Bollywood films will stay forever in the hearts of his millions of fans.

Here's the IANS guide to his top 10 Bollywood films:

"Paan Singh Tomar"
He brought the life story of the late Paan Singh Tomar, a champion athlete who later became a bandit, to the big screen. It wasn't easy to get into the skin of Tomar, who later came to be known as the 'Bandit King' of the Chambal Valley.

"Two months before the shoot, I took physical training from a Delhi-based national-level coach on Steeplechase. It was difficult but enjoyable. I also undertook lessons on voice modulation and pronouncation as I had to speak in local dialect," Irrfan had said in a 2012 interview with Indian Express.

The film, helmed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, fetched him National Award for Best Actor.

"The Lunchbox"
The 2013 film was a romantic movie but not the usual one with actors lip-syncing to love ballads. He played a lonely man on the verge of retirement. But before his office days are over, a mistaken lunchbox delivery changes his life.

"I long to explore romance in different ways. I don't often get that chance. This concept of love, we misuse the term. Love is a pure connection, a strong longing," the actor had said in an interview to The Star in 2014.

"Piku"
It was essentially a father-daughter film that was appreciated by many for Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone's natural acting. But Irrfan knew how to make his presence felt in the Shoojit Sircar directorial that had released in 2015. He played the role of a man who ran a cab service in Delhi. His profession makes him join the fun yet emotional ride with the father and daughter in "Piku".

"The script was so new. The flavour of the film, the emotions were all so new and fresh. That attracted me. Also, the team... Shoojit and Juhi (Chaturvedi, the writer of 'Piku'). I was dying to work with them," Irrfan had told India Today in 2015.

"Maqbool"
The 2004 crime drama about passion and power was an adaptation of the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare. In the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial that had Ames like Pankaj Kapur and Tabu attached to it, he played the title role -- right-hand man of an ageing don.

"Life In A... Metro"
The multi-starrer had multiple stories in one film dealing with topics like extramarital affairs, love and heartbreaks. He essayed the role of a straightforward man desperately looking for a bride.

"I did not do any preparations for the role. My preparation was that I did not prepare for the role. I had complete faith in (director) Anurag Basu. The kind of character it was, it had to be done spontaneously. The only preparation was to think like a man who has not met a girl even though he is 37 years old now and still has not touched a girl. So one can imagine the desperation one feels when he has not touched a girl," he had said jn an interview to movietalkies.com.

"Madaari"
The 2016 movie showed him as a grieving father who later kidnapped a top politician's son.

" I play a man who feels the system has collapsed completely and there is a need for a reform. My character is not based on any one individual. Nor is the film an attack on my political ideology," Irrfan had told IANS in 2016.

"Hindi Medium"
In the 2017 comedy-drama, he played a rich businessman who did everything -- even pretended to be underprivileged -- just to get his daughter enrolled into an English school.

"Karwaan"
The 2018 movie took the audience on a fun road trip with Irrfan, Dulquer Salmaan and Mithila Palkar's characters. Irrfan portrayed the friend who everyone would want in real life too. It showed his comic side and romantic sides too.

"Haasil"
With a focus on student politics, the 2003 movie showed him as a student leader of Allahabad University that fetched him Filmfare Best Villain Award.

"Angrezi Medium"
The 2020 film was a spin-off to "Hindi Medium. "Angrezi Medium", primarily a father-daughter story, was one of the last films that released before the COVID-19 lockdown. He played a sweet shop owner and single father set to fulfill his daughter's dream to study in London.

Source: IANS

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Actor PAVAN KAUSHIK recalls shooting with IRRFAN KHAN in the late actor's early Doordarshan days

(Pavan Kaushik played the character of Jiya' in the Doordarsha serial "Nirmala")

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Wednesday that veteran actor Irrfan Khan will be remembered for his sensitive portrayal of diverse roles. Khan succumbed to his illness during treatment at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection on Wednesday.

"I am pained to know about the untimely demise of versatile actor Padma Shri Irrfan Khan ji. In the film world, he will be remembered for his sensitive portrayal of diverse roles. May the departed soul rest in peace. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of his bereaved family," Birla said.

One of Bollywood's finest actors, Khan, had worked in various famous Bollywood films such as "Piku", "Sunday", "The Lunchbox","Aan: Men at work", and "Ghaath".

He won over millions of fans with his roles in numerous international and Indian films. Khan's last film was "Angrezi Medium" which ran in theatres for just a day before cinema halls across India were shut due to the lockdown.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan was laid to rest at Mumbai's Versova burial ground, at 3 pm on Wednesday.

"Irrfan was buried at the Versova kabrastan in Mumbai at 3 pm this afternoon soon after the news of his passing away was announced. In presence were his family, close relatives and friends. Everyone paid their final respects and mourned the loss of his passing away. We pray for his peace and we hope he's in a better place today. He was strong in his fight, and we all have to be strotoo in this loss," an official statement from his spokesperson said.

National Award-winning actor Irrfan Khan breathed his last early on Wednesday at the age of 54. Irrfan was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection earlier this week. However, unfortunately he succumbed to his ailment. The actor is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and two sons Babil and Ayan.

Bollywood celebrities took to social media to express their grief on Irrfan Khan's untimely demise.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The National School of Drama on Wednesday condoled the demise of Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan saying that the theatre school has lost one of its "meritorious" members.

"Not only the National School of Drama has lost one of its meritorious member, Irrfan's demise is a big loss to the Indian art and cinema fraternity," said NSD in a statement.

During his NSD days, the Padma Shree actor performed various plays, including Carlo Goldoni's The Fan, Maxim Gorky's Lower Depth and Ladaku Murga. "Your acting in all the plays was commendable," NSD said.

Irrfan Khan was an alumnus of the National School Drama in 1987, he pursued specialisation in acting from the prestigious theatre school.

One of Bollywood's finest actors, Khan, had worked in various famous Bollywood films such as "Piku", "Sunday", "The Lunchbox", "Aan: Men at work" and "Ghaath".

Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan who passed away on Wednesday had a strong love for theatre world. Khan's last film was "Angrezi Medium" which ran in theatres for just a day before cinema halls across India were shut due to the lockdown.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) It was Delhi's National School of Drama (NSD) that helped late veteran actor Irrfan Khan to find a footing in Indian cinema. In 1986, director Mira Nair had paid visit to NSD to look for actors to cast in her film "Salaam Bombay". She picked the 20-year-old Irrfan for a small role.

Apart from letting Irrfan to explore the world of acting, his alma mater also played a crucial roles in his love story with his wife Sutapa Sikdar. Sutapa, who is a writer, was Irrfan's collegemate. The two fell in love during their college days and later tied the knot in 1995.

As Irrfan left for his heavenly abode on Wednesday, his alma Mater NSD paid tribute to him.

On the behalf of NSD family, Director-In-Charge Suresh Sharma tweeted: "The news of the demise of noted actor (alumnus NSD) Mr. Irrfan Khan is highly shocking. The NSD family pays a heartfelt tribute. Irrfan Bhai had contributed a lot to theatre. God bless the departed soul."

Irrfan was only 54. Earlier this week, he was hospitalised after being diagnosed with colon infection. He even battled neuroendocrine tumour for several months and returned to Mumbai a few months ago after being treated in London.

While remembering the versatile actor, a glance through his Twitter feed provided us with one of his precious pictures from his NSD days.

In 2016, Irrfan had posted a black and white picture in which he is having a fun conversation with his friends from NSD.

"Woh Bhi Kya Din the NSD ke," Irrfan had captioned the image that shows him sporting eyeglasses.

Before learning acting at NSD, Irrfan had pursued MA degree from one of the colleges in his home town Jaipur.

Source: IANS

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By Arundhuti Banerjee

Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Nimrat Kaur worked with Irrfan Khan in the much-feted film "The Lunchbox" that went on winning several award and accolades internationally. The news of his sudden demise came as shock to her.

"It is a personal loss for everyone at this point in time. For everyone who watched his movies or worked with him and met him personally, this is absolutely shocking. I think the face of Indian cinema will not be the same without Irrfan Khan. He was a one-man army. Every film and film stars are on one side and his films are on the other. My heart goes out to his family at this point in time, when we all are suffering under a specific situation. Losing a loved one is always painful but I think this (the COVID-19 lockdown) is worse. I cannot imagine I am talking about Irrfan in the past tense," Nimrat told IANS.

Nimrat worked with Irrfan in "The Lunchbox", the directorial debut of Ritesh Batra, which released in 2013. The film screened in several prestigious international festivals, and notably won the Critics Week Viewers Choice Award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival.

Sharing her memory of working with Irrfan in the film Nimrat said: "We did not have many scenes together but we got a chance to converse extensively during the premiere of the film at the Cannes Film Festival. I was quite overwhelmed by the response to the film, the way it was celebrated and what it became overnight! I remember I asked him, 'how do you handle so much appreciation, adulation when a film meets a great success like this?' he smiled and told me, 'sock up to good times and don't be shy of celebration. This is the gift that God has given us. The bad time is around the corner.'

"This moment does not come very often in life. So take it as a gift after all the struggle we have gone through.' He always said to embrace the good time because that's when we celebrate life," recalled Nimrat.

Irrfan had been admitted in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection on Tuesday and passed away on Wednesday. The actor has been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour a while back and has been under medical attention for the same. He even went abroad for treatment.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Irrfan Khan was one of the few Indian stars to seamlessly transition from Bollywood to Hollywood, while breaking the stereotypical barriers reserved for brown people in the West with his unconventional acting skills.

From pivotal roles in big budget tentpoles like "Jurassic World", "Inferno" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" to critically acclaimed and successful crossover dramas such as "The Namesake", "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Life of Pi", Irrfan was India's first and biggest export to Hollywood. And he did all this without making any clamour about invading the West, and instead let his work do the talking.

He was the actor who matched the Oscar-winning Tom Hanks' on-screen thunder. He was the star who turned down offers to work with Matt Damon, Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christopher Nolan and Ridley Scott without breaking a sweat. He was the actor who retained his identity as an Indian while escaping the stereotypical traps, sometimes as a police inspector in "Slumdog Millionaire", sometimes as a doctor in "The Amazing Spider-Man", sometimes as a powerful businessmen in "Jurassic World" and sometimes as the head of an enigmatic international organisation known as 'The Consortium' in "Inferno".

While promoting "Inferno", actor Tom Hanks said he wants to be cool like Irrfan.

"Here's what I hate about Irrfan Khan... I always think I'm the coolest guy in the room, and everybody's hanging on to every word I say and everybody's a little intimidated to be in my presence. And then Irrfan Khan walks into the room. And he's the coolest guy in the room," Tom Hanks said about working with Irrfan.

After carving a name for himself in Hindi cinema, he has gradually established himself in the West too. But there was a time in the 1990s when Irrfan was contemplating leaving the glitzy world of showbiz.

British filmmaker Asif Kapadia's "The Warrior" in 2001 gave a much-needed fillip to his career and an exposure to the West that opened new vistas. From there on, there was no looking back.

In an interview with IANS in the past, Irrfan had shared how his move to tread the Hollywood path was initially met with criticism.

"When I entered Hollywood, most of my colleagues and industry people used to say that 'Hollywood mein kya hai', 'Taxi driver aur waiter ke role hi hote hain'. But fortunately things have changed. Now, nationality is not important," he said, going on to use his character in "Inferno" to further elaborate his point. For me in 'Inferno', nationality doesn't matter, or like in 'Jurassic World', where I played the role of Simon Masrani -- he could have been an Indian Sindhi or an Italian. So that is how things are changing. Your nationality doesn't really become a limitation," the National Award-winning star had said.

He also starred in the 2017 film "The Song Of Scorpions", and 2007 movie "A Mighty Heart", which also featured Angelina Jolie, besides the Indo-German short film "The Cloud Door" (1994).

After working on the small screen, Irrfan made his film debut with a cameo in 1988 through Mira Nair's Oscar-nominated "Salaam Bombay". The actor passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday. He was 53.

The actor, diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, was still recovering from the disease after extensive treatment in London.

The actor was taking baby steps back into the acting world. He recovered well enough to complete the shoot of "Angrezi Medium", which was incidentally the last film to hit the screens in India before the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

Here's a look at some of his iconic work in the West

• The Warrior (2001)

  Directed by British filmmaker Asif Kapadia, the movie featured Irrfan as a warrior in feudal Rajasthan and chronicles his journey to give up the sword. The 2001 film won a BAFTA that year.

• A Mighty Heart (2007)

  In Michael Winterbottom's "A Mighty Heart", which narrates true story of the kidnap and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, Irrfan got on board for the role of a Pakistani intelligence officer known only as Captain, and impressed all with his skills.

• Inferno (2016)

  In the thriller film, directed by Ron Howard, Irrfan is seen as Harry "The Provost" Sims, head of The Consortium, who is helping Zobrist in his mission to reduce the Earth's growing population. It also features Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Omar Sy, Ben Foster and Sidse Babett Knudsen.

• The Namesake (2006)

  He collaborated with Mira Nair for the film based on the novel by Jhumpa Lahiri. The film narrates the struggles of Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli (Irrfan and Tabu) as first-generation immigrants from trying to find a place in the US while raising their children.

• Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

  Danny Boyle's Oscar winning film was a game changer for Irrfan, and propelled him into the big league. In the film, he featured as a police inspector who gets caught up in the main storyline -- about Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) who becomes a TV sensation after winning the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?".

• Life Of Pi (2012)

  The Ang Lee film is about an Indian man named "Pi" Patel, who is narrating his life story to a novelist. It's about how at 16 he survives a shipwreck and is adrift in the ocean on a lifeboat with a tiger. He essayed the older Pi Patel in the adventure drama. The movie was a huge success both critically and commercially.

• The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

  In the superhero film by Marc Webb, he was seen as a super scientist named Rajit Ratha. He featured alongside Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans and others.

• Jurassic World (2015)

  Irrfan joined Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in the sci-fi film to essay the role of Simon Masrani, CEO of the Masrani Corporation and the owner of Jurassic World. It was a commercially successful project, and ensured more visibility for the actor in Hollywood.

• Puzzle (2018)

  The drama film directed by Marc Turtletaub follows the life of a stay-at-home mother Agnes who enters a puzzle building competition. Irrfan starred as the puzzle partner of Kelly Macdonald's character Agnes.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Internationally acclaimed Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, known globally for his roles in "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Jurassic World", passed away early on Wednesday at the age of 53. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray led the state in paying rich tributes to the renowned actor who was a master craftsman both on stage, TV and the silverscreen.

"Irrfan Khan was a talented actor who was sensitive to the concerns of society. Known for his versatility, he immortalised various roles in films and television serials with his passionate acting. His demise is a loss to the world of Hindi cinema," Governor Koshyari said.

"An extremely talented, hardworking and versatile actor, Irrfan Khan was also a good human being. His journey from Bollywood to Hollywood is an inspiration for upcoming actors. Despite being afflicted by cancer, he accepted the reality and continued to work. My heartfelt condolences," Thackeray said.

Expressing shock over the sudden demise of the actor, State Congress President and Minister Balasaheb Thorat said "Irrfan Khan will always be remembered as an actor extraordinaire and a true fighter".

Nationalist Congress Party's National Spokesperson and Minister Nawab Malik said he was "extremely saddened and shaken to hear of the demise of Irrfan Khan" and offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

"This is really sad, a loss for the Indian film industry," Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said in a tweet.

NCP MP Supriya Sule said Irrfan Khan will always be cherished as one of the finest actors of Indian cinema. "After great struggles, he made his mark on the Indian and world cinemaa In his death, we have lost a fine artiste," Sule said.

From the TV serial "Chandrakanta" in the 1990s to "Angrezi Medium" in 2020, the actor enthralled audiences for 30 years.

Bharatiya Janata Party Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said Irrfan Khan was not just a hardworking actor, but he was also a good cricketer though he couldn't pursue the game due to lack of funds.

"His TV and film presence is unparalleled and has been giving confidence and motivation to many. My humble tributes to Irrfan, deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans across the globe," former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Expressing condolence over the passing away of versatile actor Irrfan Khan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the nation has lost an exceptional actor and a kind soul.

Khan, who won over millions of fans with his roles in numerous international and Indian films, succumbed to his illness during treatment at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection on Wednesday.

"Anguished over the sad news of Irrfan Khan's demise. He was a versatile actor, who's art had earned global fame and recognition," Shah tweeted.

He said that Irfan was an "asset" to the film industry and that "in him, the nation has lost an exceptional actor and a kind soul".

"My condolences to his family and followers."

One of Bollywood's finest actors, Khan, had worked in various famous Bollywood films such as "Piku", "Sunday", "The Lunchbox","Aan: Men at work", and "Ghaath".

Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan who passed away on Wednesday had a strong love for theatre world. Khan's last film was "Angrezi Medium" which ran in theatres for just a day before cinema halls across India were shut due to the lockdown.

Source: IANS

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