PM Modi, Amitabh Bachchan To Cinema Lovers, India Mourns The Loss Of Irrfan Khan

People from all walks of life paid rich tributes to the actor while expressing shock at his early demise

V. Kumara Swamy Updated: Apr 29, 2020 17:59:58 IST
2020-04-29T17:55:19+05:30
2020-04-29T17:59:58+05:30
PM Modi, Amitabh Bachchan To Cinema Lovers, India Mourns The Loss Of Irrfan Khan Milind Shelte/India Today

As soon as the news of one of India’s most versatile actors Irrfan Khan’s demise broke on Wednesday mid-morning, condolences started pouring in, with politicians, Bollywood veterans and others taking to social media to mourn the actor’s untimely death. Khan, who had been ailing for sometime, had been rushed to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Tuesday, and breathed his last this morning.

One of the first to announce Khan’s death was director Shoojit Sircar, who had collaborated with the actor in Piku (2015). “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,” Sircar tweeted.

Hundreds of people responded to this tweet with shock, with one person, in disbelief, asking “Are you sure?” Khan, who was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour and had taken a long break from acting, recently returned to Bollywood with Angrezi Medium, which hit the theatres just before the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although he did not attend the film promotion events, he spoke to Reader’s Digest on kindness as his mantra for life, in one of his very last mainstream interviews.

After Khan’s family put out an official statement around noon, people from different walks of life expressed their shock and grief on Twitter. “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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted from his personal @narendramodi handle.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who had starred alongside Irrfan in 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,” @SrBachchan tweeted.

“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,” wrote Priyanka Chopra on herTwitter page. The two had worked together in the Vishal Bhardwaj-directed 7 Khoon Maaf and Ali Abbas Zafar’s Gunday.

“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. a.” tweeted Aamir Khan.

“Heartbroken to hear about Irrfan’s untimely demise. It’s an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. Deepest condolences to his wife & sons. RIP Irrfan," wrote Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn).

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed shock too. “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,” he tweeted from his official handle @ArvindKejriwal. 

Irrfan’s last rites were performed by his two sons in Mumbai. “Irrfan was buried at the Versova kabrastan in Mumbai at 3 pm this afternoon soon after the news of his passing away was announced. Present there was 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 strong too in this loss,” read the statement issued by Khan’s family. 
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