Irrfan Khan, actor extraordinaire and India’s face in the West, dies at 54

Actor Irrfan breathed his last on Wednesday, a tweet from filmmaker Shoojit Sircar said. The actor was 53 years old, and was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhiru bhai Ambani hospital in Mumbai when he passed away. Irrfan is survived by wife Sutapa Sikder, and sons Babil and Ayan.

“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,” nwrote Shoojit, who directed Irrfan in Piku.

On Tuesday, news broke that Bollywood actor Irrfan was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to a colon infection.

Irrfan’s spokesperson issued a statement on Wednesday and urged people to not panic or believe in false rumours regarding the actor’s health. He also assured fans that they will be kept updated about the same.

The full statement from Irrfan’s spokesperson earlier today read, “It’s really disappointing to know that there are extreme assumptions being made about Irrfan’s health. While we are truly appreciative that people are concerned, it’s disheartening to see some sources spread extreme rumours and creating panic. Irrfan is a strong person and is still fighting the battle. We really request you to not fall for rumours and not partake in these conversations which are fictional. We have always actively clarified and shared updates on his health and we will continue doing so.”

On Saturday, Irrfan’s mother, Saeeda Begum, breathed her last in Jaipur. The actor couldn’t attend the funeral due to the nationwide lockdown.

Irrfan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018 and sought treatment in the UK for a year. The actor returned to India in February 2019 and shortly resumed shooting for his film, Angrezi Medium.