Irrfan Khan dies in Mumbai “Surrounded by Family”

Actor Irrfan Khan died on April 29 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he was being treated for a colon infection. A statement released by his family said that Mr Khan spent his final hours “surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about.”

Just hours ago, the actor’s spokesperson said in a statement that Mr Khan was “still fighting the battle.” The Piku star, one of Indian cinema’s most respected thespians, battled a tumour for several months and returned to Mumbai some months ago after being treated in London. Irrfan Khan is survived by his wife Sutapa and two sons. On April 28, his spokesperson confirmed that he had been taken to the intensive care unit and later, dismissed rumours that Irrfan Khan had died.

“‘I trust, I have surrendered’; These were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heart-felt note he wrote in 2018 opening up

about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. It’s saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it’.”

Bollywood actor Late Irfan Khan

Irrfan Khan’s death has left a void in Indian cinema and millions of broken-hearted fans. Amitabh Bachchan, who co-starred with Mr Khan in Piku, tweeted, “An incredible talent, a gracious colleague, a prolific

contributor to the world of cinema left us too soon, creating a huge vacuum.” Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, who directed Irrfan Khan in Piku, tweeted: “My dear friend Irrfan. 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,” he tweeted.

As news of Irrfan Khan’s hospitalisation spread on April 28 evening, the actor’s spokesperson released this statement: “Yes, it is true that Irrfan Khan is admitted to ICU at Kokilaben in Mumbai because of a colon infection. We would keep everyone updated. He is under doctor’s observation. His strength and courage have helped him battle and fight so far and we are sure with his tremendous willpower and prayers of his well wishers, he will recover soon.”

Irrfan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar and his sons Babil and Ayan Khan were also reportedly at the hospital.