A file photograph of Irrfan Khan. (courtesy irrfan)
Highlights
- "Left us too soon," tweeted Big B
- "One of the finest actors of our time," tweeted Akshay
- "You inspired so many of us," tweeted Priyanka
Actor Irrfan Khan's death has left not a heart unbroken, not a single eye dry. The 53-year-old died in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Wednesday at the end of a long battle against a cancerous tumour. The grief that has ripped through his fans and the film fraternity found an outlet on social media. Twitter has been deluged by tributes from Irrfan Khan's many co-stars, among them Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Nimrat Kaur. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who co-starred with Irrfan Khan in the 2015 film Piku, wrote: "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."
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who starred with the actor in her comeback film Jazbaa, wrote in her Instagram story: "Heartbreaking news... So sad to hear about the demise of my dear friend Irrfan Khan... The brightest, most genuine, humble, kind and eventually bravest soul. May he rest ion peace. God bless... Much love and strength to Sutapa, Bail, Ayan and his loved ones, at this very difficult time."
Screenshot of the Instagram story posted by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan's co-star of the 2015 film Piku, summed up her emotions by sharing a broken heart emoticon on Instagram and wrote: Irrfan Khan.
Shah Rukh Khan, who worked with Irrfan Khan in the 2009 film Billu, wrote: "My friend...inspiration and 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 kloi, maikhana kahe hai duniya teri aankhon ko bhi. Kya kya na kahe hai. Love you."
Anil Kapoor, who famously starred with Irrfan Khan in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, wrote an extensive note on Twitter.
Freida Pinto, who worked with Irrfan Khan in Slumdog Millionaire, shared a picture of herself along with Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor and Dev Patel from the Screen Actors Guild Awards. She wrote an extensive heart-wrenching post, an excerpt from which read, "This one has hit me hard. A VOID that can NEVER be filled because there was simply no one like Irrfan Khan. His grace and dignity along with his monumental talent as an artist, actor - a portrayer of humanity in all it's shapes and forms made me not only have deep admiration for him but I instinctively wanted to emulate that grace in my career as well."
This one has hit me hard. A VOID that can NEVER be filled because there was simply no one like Irrfan Khan. His grace and dignity along with his monumental talent as an artist, actor - a portrayer of humanity in all it's shapes and forms made me not only have deep admiration for him but I instinctively wanted to emulate that grace in my career as well. . . There is a picture from the SAG awards( Irrfan, Dev, me and Anil) that sits on my book shelf in Mumbai and everytime I look at it, I am taken down a memory lane of all things so beautiful and joyous about Slumdog Millionaire and the awards celebrations. And in all of it I have this one beautiful and powerful memory of Irrfan - Unfazed by the glitzy glamour, no matter which Hollywood icon walked past us. Quiet but not silent- his responses to every interviewer were so meaningful and never lacking humour. He was representing India with achingly high levels of grace and dignity. He stood grounded in reality on every world stage, every red carpet- Grateful and so collected! How lucky was I, a complete little mess of a newbie, to have him as a role model! . . For those who know of his talent, you know it cannot be replaced. For those who have not yet been introduced to his talent...Oh, do not deprive yourselves please! His repertoire has something for everyone. Warrior, Namesake, Piku, Maqbool, Life of Pi, The Lunchbox, Paan Singh Tomar and ofcourse Slumdog Millionaire. Start somewhere, anywhere! I promise you...Irrfan Khan will be FOREVER carved in your memories too!
A post shared by Freida Pinto (@freidapinto) on
Priyanka Chopra, Irrfan Khan's co-star in 7 Khoon Maaf and Gunday, shared a film still with the actor. "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," she wrote.
Katrina Kaif, who starred with Irrfan Khan in the 2009 film New York, posted a picture of the late actor and she wrote: "An irreplaceable loss ... A true genius ..... Will be greatly missed .... Can never forget our laughs during New York.
Ranveer Singh, Irrfan Khan's co-star of the 2014 film Gunday, shared a thowback picture with the actor.
A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on
An emotional Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who worked with Irrfan Khan in films like Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox and The Bypass, wrote an extensive note for Irrfan Kha. He wrote: "In the year 2000 a film directed by Irrfan Khan named Alvida, starred me and I was lucky to have my mentor as my co-star in many films. No one will ever be able to fill his space in the entire world of cinema. Never thot in the worst of my dreams, that will have to say "Alvida" so soon. RIP."
AR Rahman, who composed music for many of Irrfan Khan's movies, including the Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire, tweeted: "Irrfan Khan...One of the greatest ambassadors of Indian cinema has left us. Gone too soon..RamadanDay5 RoseHibiscus #memories #oscar2009 #innalillahiwainnailaihirajioon."
Nimrat Kaur, Irrfan Khan's co-star of the critically acclaimed film Lunchbox, tweeted, "Words fail to describe my sense of shock and horror to learn about Irrfan Khan's passing away. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the family at this grave hour. India's lost one of her biggest icons today. Our world left for the poorer.."
Sanjay Dutt, who worked with the late actor in films like D-Day and Knockout, shared an emotional post.
"I'm numb today... I haven't been able to accept the loss of a brilliant co-actor and a fabulous person that Irrfan Khan was," wrote Shilpa Shetty, who co-starred with the actor in Life .. In A Metro.
One of Irrfan Khan's earliest film roles was in Ek Doctor Ki Maut, which starred Shabana Azmi. She tweeted this:
Nandita Das wrote: "This is just too sad. I'd worked with Irrfan Khan in Supari, not our best, but we had a wonderful time together. We met a few times after that and will always treasure the warmth. Not to mention the loss of an incredible actor. Will rewatch his flims to celebrate his life and work."
"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," tweeted Irrfan Khan's Thank You co-star Sonam Kapoor.
Shraddha Kapoor, who starred with Irrfan Khan in Haider, shared her experience of working with the late actor and wrote: "Very sad to hear about Irrfan sirs passing. 1 of our finest actors. A magician on the big screen; inspiring and igniting hearts! I was beyond excited to get the precious opportunity to share the screen with him in Haider. Will always be his fan & cherish those moments. RIP sir."
Shoojit Sircar, who directed Irrfan Khan in Piku, 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."
Anupam Kher, who worked with Irrfan Khan Apna Asmaan and Ghaath, shared this video:
Many other actors also paid tribute to Irrfan Khan. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan wrote: "Too soon to leave Irrfan Khan. Your work always left me in awe. You're one of the finest actors I know, I wish you stayed longer. You deserved more time. Strength to the family at this time."
"Big loss to the film industry, his fans, all of us and 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," wrote Salman Khan.
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. Love," tweeted Aamir Khan.
"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," tweeted Anushka Sharma.
"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," tweeted Hrithik Roshan.
"Saddened to hear of the passing of Irrfan Khan. My heart goes out to the family, may you find strength in this time. Rest in peace," wrote Kajol.
"Occasional meetings with Irrfan were always affectionate.I use to pray for his health since I heard about his illness,'" veteran actor Dharmendra wrote.
"Heartbroken to hear about Irrfan's untimely demise. It's an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. Deepest condolences to his wife and sons. RIP Irrfan," tweeted Ajay Devgn.
Taapsee Pannu, in her eulogy piece wrote: "When we thought nothing could make us feel worse, this happened. I think I will refuse to believe you are no more by watching all your work time and again. I have known you that way and shall continue to know you that way for ever. You ARE the best we have."
"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," tweeted Parineeti Chopra.
Here are some more tweets:
The Life Of Pi star battled a tumour for several months and returned to Mumbai some months ago after being treated in London. Irrfan Khan is survived by his wife Sutapa and two sons.
Irrfan Khan's impressive filmography included projects like Maqbool, Haasil, Paan Singh Tomar, Haider, Pinku, Talvar and the Academy Award-nominated Salaam Bombay! He has also been a part of international projects like The Namesake, Life Of Pi, Inferno, Slumdog Millionaire and The Warrior among others. His last project wasAngrezi Medium, co-starring Kareena Kapoor and Radhika Madan.