The morning today, as has been dark and we have lost one of the finest actors!! The death of Irrfan Khan comes as a big blow to the Industry. And the whole of the Bollywood fraternity is immersed in sorrow with his passing away.
Subhash K Jha talks to a few celebrities from the film fraternity to know their thoughts on this loss.
Shabana Azmi: I am deeply saddened to learn about Irrfan Khan’s passing away. I last met him in London with his wife Sutapa and their son. He seemed in good spirits and I could tell that he was able to put up such a valiant fight against the illness because his two most precious people were by his side. This is not unfair! He is gone too soon ..Irrfan will be missed by the entire Film Industry. It is doubly sad that we cannot be with his family in their grief because of the lockdown. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Didn’t really get to know him because I had two very brief scenes in Jazbaa and in Ek Doctor Ki Maut, and that was when he was very new. But I remember noticing that he was good.
Neena Gupta: When his illness was first diagnosed and he went to England for his treatment I felt very bad for him. I used to think, he struggled so much as an actor. Then when he got everything—great roles, international fame, money—and when it was time for him to enjoy his success after years of struggle, then he fell sick. I felt really bad about that.
Hansal Mehta: I am devastated. I will always share this date with him for the rest of life. Every year on my birthday I will be reminded of his rude, sudden and unforgivable going. I had a sinking feeling last evening about Irrfan. We did not ever work together but shared a very warm camaraderie over the years. Shared many drunken nights with him talking about life and a lot of other shit.
Neil Nitin Mukesh: Honestly, I am deeply saddened with his demise. Just the other day I was remembering moments spent with him on the sets of Kabir Khan’s New York. A true gentleman and a great actor. He has been an inspiration to millions. I fondly remember the days of working with him. My first day of the shoot was with him and I was so nervous and excited at the same time. He instantly broke the ice on set. We spent many days working together in New York and bonded like family for the months we were all together. Each day will be remembered each day will be a moment I will cherish.
Swara Bhaskar: It’s too tragic and sad for words. A moment of grief for the whole industry and the whole country. We’ve lost one of the finest actors this country will ever see. My deepest condolences to his family. I will always treasure his performances. My favourite being Maqbool, Paan Singh Tomar, Lunchbox, Dil Kabaddi, Life In A Metro.
Rajit Kapur: A soldier who fought bravely until the end.
Manoj Bajpai: All I can say is that I am not in a good mental space to talk about it; it’s too disturbing for me as a colleague and contemporary. Gone too soon, can’t comprehend what to say.
