The Glorious Journey of Legendary Irrfan Khan

by Shatakshi Gupta

Irrfan Khan, who was one of the best actors, has passed away this morning. He was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018 and since then he was battling with it. He was the actor who was known for his acting and expression. Irrfan not only amazed Bollywood, but he did great roles in Hollywood as well. Today in this article we through light on his glorious acting career.

He was the only Indian actor who started from TV and reached up to Hollywood fame. He was also conferred with Padma Shri and many National Film awards and Filmfare. Irrfan was born and brought up in Rajasthan, initially he was devoted to cricket and tried for some tournaments but due to lack of funds he was not able to pursue it more. In 1984, when he was completing his MA degree, he earned a scholarship to study in National School of Drama, New Delhi.

Also Read: Big Jolt to Indian Cinema, Veteran Actor Irrfan Khan dies at 53

Khan moved to Mumbai after completing his Drama studies, where he acted in number of TV serials such as,  Sara Jahan Hamara, Chanakya, Banegi Apni Baat, Chandrakanta, Shrikant , Anoogoonj, Bharat Ek Khoj. He also played role of Lenin in Laal Ghaas Par Neele Ghode. Then he played a role of lead villain in serial named Darr. He played several roles and gave appearances in many other TV shows until he got his movie breakthrough in 1988 in the form of a Cameo in Salaam Bombay.  He then acted in some unnoticed movies like Ek Doctor ki Maut and Such a Long Journey. Later, a UK based director offered him a lead role in The Warrior, which earned Khan an International exposure. Khan’s first success came from a short movie named Road to Ladakh, which attracted positive at international festivals. His first Bollywood film as a lead actor was Rog, which was released in 2005; he was then casted as lead villain in many other Bollywood and South Indian movies; for his role in Haasil he got best villain Filmfare award. He then appeared in Metro and The Namesake, which earned him more fame. After entering into movies Irrfan continued in TV career as well, he did shows like Mano Ya Na Maano and Kya Kahein. But his true success came after his role in 8 Oscar winning movie Slumdog Millionaire,  in which he played a role of a Police Officer, his acting in this movie drew worldwide attention on him. Later he acted in movies like New York and Paan Singh Tomar, which is biography of dacoit. He then showed up in Spider Man in 2012 and later he appeared in Life of Pie, which was biggest success of Khan in Hollywood. In Bollywood his biggest success was The Lunchbox, but later he surperseded his own success by his movie Hindi Medium. Earlier, he gave an outstanding performance in Piku and Talwar as well. His last movie was Angrezi Medium, which he completed despite his bad health.

Overall Irrfan did splendid job in his acting career, he earned respect in people more than fame. He was among the few names in the industry who are known for their acting. We all know that his eyes spoke more than his words and this is what he was famous for. Today India is mourning on the loss of a Jewel of the country.