Mumbai : Irrfan Khan is remembered on his sixth death anniversary on April 29 for his remarkable journey from struggling actor to global star, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances, humility and inspiration.
Born as Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan on Jan. 7, 1967, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, he came from a modest background and pursued acting with determination. He studied at the National School of Drama in New Delhi before moving to Mumbai to build a career in films and television.
His early years were marked by struggle, with minor roles in television serials such as Chanakya, Bharat Ek Khoj and Banegi Apni Baat. Despite limited success at first, he remained focused on strong performances and gradually earned recognition for his natural acting style.
His breakthrough came with films such as Maqbool and The Warrior, but it was his role in Paan Singh Tomar that brought him nationwide acclaim and the National Film Award for Best Actor. He later starred in successful films including The Lunchbox, Hindi Medium and Talvar, becoming known for bringing depth and realism to every role.
Irrfan also built a strong international presence with performances in Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, Inferno and Jurassic World, becoming one of the few Indian actors to gain wide recognition in global cinema.
In 2018, he announced that he had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour. During treatment abroad, he shared emotional messages with fans and continued working despite serious health challenges. His final film, Angrezi Medium, was released in 2020.
Irrfan died on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53. Six years later, he is remembered not only for his powerful performances but also for his humility, resilience and dedication to his craft.
His legacy remains strong, with fans and colleagues continuing to honour an actor whose quiet brilliance left a lasting mark on cinema.
