KARACHI: Irfan Khan was among the finest Bollywood actors who not only proved his mettle in Hindi film industry and also captivated viewers in English-speaking world. His untimely death on Wednesday left his fans and coworkers in a state of shock.
In this file photo taken on March 27, 2014 Best Actor winner Irrfan Khan poses with his trophy during the Asian Film Awards in Macau. (AFP)
The 53-year-old actor changed his name from Irfan to Irrfan before dropping his surname Khan because he wanted his work, not lineage, to determine his identity. His last film “Angrezi Medium” was released on March 13, 2020.
Many Pakistani artists also worked with Khan on different projects. Veteran Pakistan star Sajid Hasan said he made friends with the deceased Indian actor while shooting a Hollywood flick, “A Mighty Heart,” in India for three months.
“We first met during the shoot of A Mighty Heart in 2007. He had one of the lead roles in the film. For the first five days, we didn’t come too close to each other. But he called me one night at 12 and asked me to meet with him. I went to see him, and he was amazing! He said, ‘Sajid Bhai, I have known you from your Dhoop Kinaray days.’ His charm was totally disarming,” Hasan said while referring to his popular 1987 Pakistani television play.
“We met every day after that and planned to make a film in Pakistan. However, when the shoot ended and we returned home, we could only remain in contact on telephone. Later, we also lost that connection but remained genuine friends on Facebook,” he continued.
Saba Qamar, another Pakistani star who worked with Khan in the 2017 Bollywood film “Hindi Medium” as female lead, echoed the same sentiments.
Deeply disturbed to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. It feels like yesterday coming back from the sets of Hindi Medium. You taught me a lot as an actor and a mentor. Such a brilliant actor gone too soon. I'm at a loss for words.
RIP Raj
Yours Only, Meeta #IrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/FaDx1dznFA— Saba Qamar (@s_qamarzaman) April 29, 2020
Talking to Arab News, she said that she had a great experience while working with the legendary actor. She also quoted him as saying: “Fame is like a disease. One day I want to be free from it and be in a state where it doesn’t matter.”
She also recalled her last conversation with Khan which took place on the last day of “Hindi Medium” shoot, saying she wished him good health while departing.
“All I can say is that we should all pray for Irrfan,” Qamar continued. “May he rest in peace. We have truly lost a gem and it’s an irreparable damage to the cinema world.”
Another actor, Aly Khan, also cherished a long association with Khan that spanned over three decades. He first worked with the Indian actor in a television serial, “Bane Gi Apni Baat,” in 1993.
Aly said that he counted Khan among the finest actors and great friends. He added that the Bollywood star would always be remembered for his generous nature and matchless talent.
Talking to Arab News, he said that his last film with the veteran Indian actor was “A Mighty Heart” in 2007. After that, they remained in touch and met each other, though they didn’t get a chance to work together again.
Aly said he was deeply distressed by the death of his friend.
Indian Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan attends GQ India's ninth anniversary with the annual Men of the Year Awards 2017 in Mumbai on September 22, 2017. (AFP)
Farooq Mannan, a young Pakistani director, who shot an ad of LU Bakeri Nankhatai biscuit with Khan in Thailand just before his illness emerged in early 2018, said: “The shoot lasted for only three or four days, yet it was a fabulous experience.”
He continued that he had not seen a celebrity of Khan’s stature who was so down to earth. Sharing a memory, he said that the Indian actor did not go into his vanity van after the shoot but sat with his producers, directors, assistant directors and other crew members to discuss his work and other things.
“During the shoot, we wanted him to do an act in a certain way, but he said he wanted to do it in his own style. He knew what would look good on him and benefit the product. It was his humbleness and down-to-earth nature, however, that he ultimately did the scene the way we wanted him to,” he said.
Mannan told Arab News that he discussed an idea of a short film on Sufism with the Indian star who was quite impressed by it.
“Even after the shoot, Irfan Khan remained in contact via email and shared his suggestions for the project,” he continued. “After a few days, though, he was diagnosed with the illness and went for his treatment to London.”
