The loss of Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has echoed not only through Bollywood but the entire country and throughout the world.
Bollywood condoled the demise of the versatile and much-loved 53-year-old, who passed away on Wednesday.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan condoled the demise of ace actor Irrfan Khan with a heavy heart. The star called the passing of Khan the ‘most disturbing and sad news’ and said that he ‘left us too soon, creating a huge vacuum.’
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
The 77-year-old actor took to Twitter and conveyed his deepest condolences. He tweeted, “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.”
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan shared an old picture of himself and Irrfan Khan as he stated, ‘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. ‘
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.
“पैमाना कहे है कोई, मैखाना कहे है दुनिया तेरी आँखों को भी, क्या क्या ना कहे है” Love u pic.twitter.com/yOVoCete4A— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 29, 2020
Veteran actor Anupam Kher struggled to hold back tears, as he shared a video message expressing grief over the demise of ace actor Irrfan Khan and said he is completely shattered and deeply saddened after hearing about it.
The ‘Hotel Mumbai’ star added, “It’s not only the loss of the Hindi film industry, but it is also a loss of the country and international entertainment world. He was an amazing actor and a wonderful human being. A very straightforward person with a great sense of humour, and compassionate person.”
Pakistani actor Saba Qamar, who essayed the role of Irrfan’s (Raj) wife (Meeta) in the film ‘Hindi medium’ penned down a heartfelt note as she took to Instagram to condole the death of the critically acclaimed actor.
“Deeply disturbed to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. I still can’t absorb the news. It feels like yesterday coming back from the sets of Hindi Medium,” she wrote in the caption.
Qamar went on in the post and said that she learnt a lot from the versatile actor and left the note undersigned by the name of the character she portrayed opposite him in the film ‘Hindi Medium.’
“You taught me a lot as an actor and a mentor. It is indeed a huge loss to the cinema world. Such a brilliant actor gone too soon. You left a huge irreplaceable void in Cinema Irfan. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May Allah give them strength to bear this loss. RIP Raj, Yours Only, Meeta,” she further wrote.
Silence indeed is way louder that than words and as Deepika padukone, who worked with Khan in ‘Piku’, shared nothing but a black screen with a broken heart emoji and Khan’s hashtag, nothing rang louder than the pain that this post expresses.
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi took to Twitter and 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”
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
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) April 29, 2020
Taapsee Pannu expressed grief over the demise of the actor on Twitter. She 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 n again n again n again. I have known you that way n shall continue to know you that way for ever. You ARE the best we have #IrrfanKhan”
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 n again n again n again. I have known you that way n shall continue to know you that way for ever. You ARE the best we have #IrrfanKhan
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) April 29, 2020
Farhan Akhtar said the actor will be sorely missed. He 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 Madhur Bhandarkar took to Twitter to share two pictures with khan as he called him a ‘brilliant & versatile actor, a wonderful human being and a great friend’
I've worked with #IrrfanKhan in 2004 film AAN and have always known him to be a Brilliant & Versatile Actor, a wonderful human being and a great friend. His untimely demise is a great loss to the Films Industry. My deepest condolences to his family & friends. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/VWD7JozQCZ
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) April 29, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Irrfan Khan’s demise ‘a loss to the world of cinema and theatre’ as he took to Twitter to extend his condolences.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the death of actor Irrfan Khan and said his demise is a big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers.
“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,” the President tweeted.
Politicians including Union Ministers Prakash Javadekar, Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot condoled the death as well.
“Irfan Khan was a versatile actor. Sorry to hear about his demise. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti,” Javadekar tweeted.
“Deeply saddened to hear that after putting up a spirited fight against cancer, the young & versatile Irrfan Khan has passed away. After making his big screen debut in Salaam Bombay, the national award winner went on to regale his fans with several superlative performances. RIP,” Puri tweeted.
Deeply saddened to hear that after putting up a spirited fight against cancer, the young & versatile Irrfan Khan has passed away.
After making his big screen debut in Salaam Bombay, the national award winner went on to regale his fans with several superlative performances. RIP. pic.twitter.com/18utYj6jrY
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) April 29, 2020
“Shocked to hear of the demise of Irrfan Khan, one of the most exceptional actors of our time. May his work always be remembered and his soul rest in peace,” Kejriwal tweeted.
“I am saddened and shocked to know about the untimely demise of one of our country’s most versatile actors, #IrrfanKhan. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. May God give them strength. May his soul rest in peace,” Ashok Gehlot tweeted.
Taking to Twitter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Khan was a popular Indian brand ambassador on the global film and TV stage.
“I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. A versatile & talented actor, he was a popular Indian brand ambassador on the global film & tv stage. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends & fans at this time of grief,” Gandhi tweeted.
Maharastra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said that the actor immortalized various roles in films and television serials with his passionate acting.
“Irrfan Khan was a talented actor who was sensitive to the concerns of society. Known for his versatility, Irrfan Khan immortalized various roles in films and television serials with his passionate acting. His demise is a loss to the world of Hindi Cinema,” he said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also paid a heartfelt tribute to Irrfan Khan and said
“With the demise of actor Irrfan Khan, the Hindi film industry has lost a hardworking, versatile actor. Despite suffering from chronic cancer, Irfan accepted the fact positively and stood up enthusiastically while undergoing treatment,” CMO Maharashtra tweeted.
दुर्दैवाने काळाने त्यांना ओढून नेले आणि अभिनयाचा त्यांचा प्रवास थांबला, असे सांगून मुख्यमंत्री उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांनी इरफान खान यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण केली.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 29, 2020
“Unfortunately, time dragged him down and his journey of acting came to a halt, said Chief Minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, who paid a heartfelt tribute to Irrfan Khan,” CMO Maharashtra said in another tweet.
The sports fraternity of India condoled the death of the beloved actor as it showered empathy and praise for him.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh condoled the demise of actor Irrfan Khan and said he ‘knew that Irrfan khan had fought till the end and he is in a better place now.’
Yuvraj, who also battled cancer, said that he is well aware of the journey and the pain that Irrfan must have gone through.
“I know the journey I know the pain and I know he fought till the end some are lucky to survive some don’t I’m sure you are in a better place now Irfan Khan my condolence to your family. May his soul RIP,” Yuvraj tweeted.
He also tweeted a clip of Khan saying ‘This clip seems like a fitting tribute to the man who thought and inspired so many out there that success is not a hand down, and that if you worked hard enough you will shine against all odds coz talent and hardwork always prepares ordinary people for an extraordinary journey.’
This clip seems like a fitting tribute to the man who thought and inspired so many out there that success is not a hand down, and that if you worked hard enough you will shine against all odds coz talent and hardwork always prepares ordinary people for an extraordinary journey. pic.twitter.com/OV6V5sfUSr
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 29, 2020
Taking to Twitter, Indian skipper Virat Kohli condoled the death of the ‘phenomenal talent’ and wrote, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. What a phenomenal talent and dearly touched everyone’s heart with his versatility. May god give peace to his soul.”
Veteran cricketer Sachin Tendulkar lauded Irrfan’s skills and said “acting came so effortlessly to him”.
“Sad to hear the news of #IrrfanKhan passing away. He was one of my favorites & I’ve watched almost all his films, the last one being Angrezi Medium. Acting came so effortlessly to him, he was just terrific. May his soul Rest In Peace. Condolences to his loved ones,” Tendulkar tweeted.
Sad to hear the news of #IrrfanKhan passing away. He was one of my favorites & I’ve watched almost all his films, the last one being Angrezi Medium. Acting came so effortlessly to him, he was just terrific.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
Condolences to his loved ones. ☹️ pic.twitter.com/gaLHCTSbUh— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 29, 2020
Indian football team skipper Sunil Chettri also shared his heartfelt condolences.
“Khan sahab, you were brilliant at what you did and that will always live on. Thank you for bringing your art to us the way you did. Strength to those grieving,” Chhetri tweeted.
Taking to Twitter, Indian Hockey team captain Manpreet Singh wrote, “Extremely sad to hear the demise of a versatile and talented actor @irrfank. Thank you for entertaining us and giving us such powerful performance. My deepest condolences to his family – RIP.”
India batsman Shikhar Dhawan condoled the demise of actor Irrfan Khan and said that he always enjoyed his amazing work and mind-blowing skills.
Taking to Twitter Dhawan wrote, “R.I.P @irrfank Ji. Always enjoyed your amazing work and your mind-blowing skills as an actor and artist. Sincere condolences and prayers for the family.”
R.I.P @irrfank Ji. Always enjoyed your amazing work and your mind-blowing skills as an actor and artist. Sincere condolences and prayers for the family. pic.twitter.com/dh6QdDs9nh
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 29, 2020
The wings of Khan’s magic have spread beyond just India.
Calling Irrfan Khan ‘a beloved international face of Indian cinema’, French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain, mourned the untimely demise of the acclaimed Bollywood star.
“Deeply saddened at untimely demise of actor par excellence #IrrfanKhan
A beloved international face of Indian cinema, the acclaimed actor stood out in every role he essayed, incl. the memorable ‘Lunchbox’, the first official co-production between India and France shown at Cannes,” the French envoy tweeted.
Deeply saddened at untimely demise of actor par excellence #IrrfanKhan
A beloved international face of Indian cinema, the acclaimed actor stood out in every role he essayed, incl. the memorable ‘Lunchbox’, the first official co-production between India and France shown at Cannes pic.twitter.com/fy5dw0MJGe— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) April 29, 2020
The last rites of actor Irrfan Khan were performed at the Versova cemetery in Mumbai at 3 pm today.
“He was buried at the Versova kabrastan in Mumbai at 3 pm this afternoon soon after the news of his passing away was announced,” read a statement from the actor’s representative.
Due to the lockdown, only a few people including his wife Sutapa Sikdar, sons Babil and Ayan, and some close relatives and friends were present at the funeral.
“We pray for his peace and we hope he is in a better place today. He was strong in his fight, and we all have to be strong too in this loss,” the statement further read.