Irrfan Khan was one of the finest and most talented Indian actors who gained international recognition with movies like Slumdog Millionaire, The Namesake, Life of Pi, Jurrasic World, Inferno and The Amazing Spider-Man. His ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity made him a beloved actor both in Indian and global cinema. Irrfan was a versatile actor who portrayed several memorable roles throughout his career spanning decades. His untimely death on April 29 (2020) left a huge void in the film industry that would be hard to fill.
Remembering the legendary actor on his death anniversary, let's delve into some of the iconic characters played by Irrfan that stand as a testament to his ability and versatility.
Maqbool: Maqbool is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy 'Macbeth' and Irrfan cemented his versatility and talent as an actor by playing the titular role in the movie. Helmed by Vishal Bharadwaj, the crime drama emerged as a blockbuster. The movie also starred Naseerudin Shah, Om Puri, Tabu, Pankaj Kapoor and Piyush Mishra in pivotal roles. Irrfan's performance in the critically acclaimed movie was widely praised for his intensity and depth.
The Lunchbox: 2013's The Lunchbox, also starring Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a supporting role, is a critically acclaimed film. Irrfan played the role of Saajan Fernandez, while Nimrat played the character of a young woman Ila. Saajan, a lonely widower and isolated man gradually forms an unexpected connection with Ila through a mistakenly delivered lunchbox. While the movie received widespread praise for its storytelling and portrayal of Mumbai's culture, Irrfan and Nimrat's character portrayal left everyone highly impressed.
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Piku: 2015's Piku was another masterpiece that starred Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone along with Irrfan. Helmed by Shoojit Sircar, Irrfan played the role of Rana Chaudhary, a taxi company owner. Though Deepika plays the titular protagonist in the movie, the story takes an interesting turn after the entry of Rana, who drives Piku and her father all the way to Calcutta as Bhaskor wants to visit his ancestral home. Irrfan's commendable performance kept the audience hooked. While his wit and humour tickled the funny bones of the audience, the chemistry between Rana and Piku made the movie with a refreshing storyline worth watching.
Talvar: 2015's drama-thriller Talvar, which was inspired by 2008's infamous murder case of Aarushi Talwar, starred Irrfan Khan as the investigating cop Ashwin Kumar. Helmed by Meghna Gulzar, the movie received mixed reviews. But Irrfan's powerful performance with depth and realism was highly appreciated by his fans and critics. The movie received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling and powerful performances.
Hindi Medium: Hindi Medium was another spectacular comedy-drama, in which Irrfan played the lead role of Raj Batra, a wealthy businessman from Delhi, who, along with his wife (played by Saba Qamar), aspires to enrol their daughter in a prestigious English medium school. Skillfully helmed by Saket Chaudhary, this 2017's comedy-drama brought life to the story of a couple navigating the complexities of the education system in India. Irrfan's effortless and brilliant performance highly impressed the audience. The movie was critically as well as commercially successful.
Irrfan Khan's journey from a television actor to a revered figure in Indian cinema is a testament to his talent, dedication and versatility. In the late 1980s, he started his acting journey on the small screen, where he honed his craft and showcased his acting prowess. Later in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he started his Bollywood journey in supporting roles. He made his mark with standout performances that fetched him bigger roles. And the rest is history.
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From his humble beginnings in television to becoming a celebrated figure in both Indian and international cinema, Irrfan Khan's growth as an actor is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and cine lovers around the world.