On the solemn occasion of the death anniversary of the cinematic luminary Irrfan Khan in 2024, we take a moment to look beyond the screen and spotlight some of the lesser-known facets of the man who earned the title ‘King of Acting’. Khan’s remarkable journey from a passionate aspirant to an internationally celebrated actor is strewn with surprising anecdotes and facts that illustrate the enigmatic yet grounded nature of his personality.
Here are 11 such facts that offer us a glimpse into the life of the iconic actor Irrfan Khan:
1. Behind the intense gaze and robust performances on screen was a man who once harbored dreams of a completely different trajectory. Irrfan Khan, as reports suggest, initially wished to carve out a career in cricket. However, fate had scripted a different plan for him, and the world of acting became his ultimate pitch.
2. A prevalence in the showbiz industry is the adoption of screen names, and Irrfan Khan was no different. Born Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan, he trimmed his moniker, presenting himself to the world simply as ‘Irrfan Khan’, underscoring his preference for simplicity.
3. Despite his ascent in Bollywood, Irrfan’s roots remained humble and deep-seated in the Indian heartland. His native place was a village named Tonk, located near Jaipur, grounding him with rustic authenticity that often translated into his diverse roles.
4. It was during his third year at the National School of Drama (NSD) that a golden opportunity knocked on Irrfan’s door—an offer to act in Mira Nair’s celebrated film ‘Salaam Bombay’. Not one to shy away from challenges, he accepted the role, etching the first strokes of what would become a masterful career canvas. However, there’s a twist in the tale: despite securing a role, his part was significantly reduced simply because he was considered too tall for the character, an alteration that ironically couldn’t dwarf his towering presence in the industry.
5. The recognition of talent knows no boundaries, and this was affirmed when the late actor’s critically lauded film ‘The Lunchbox’ won the Toronto Film Critics Association Award, the only Indian movie to have achieved this feat until now—a testament to Irrfan’s indelible impact on global cinema.
6. Imagine turning down a role in a movie directed by the maestro Christopher Nolan. Sounds unthinkable, but Irrfan Khan did exactly that. Bound by prior commitments to ‘The Lunchbox’ and ‘D-Day’, Khan had to decline a part in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Interstellar’, a choice that speaks volumes about his loyalty and professional integrity.
7. Before his days of cinematic glory, Irrfan touched the daily lives of people in a more common way—as an air conditioning technician. He even happened to repair an AC unit at the house of Bollywood’s first superstar, the late Rajesh Khanna, showcasing the surprising intersections in his pre-fame life.
8. Few might be aware that Irrfan Khan and Hollywood actress Natalie Portman were once slated to share screen space in Mira Nair’s ‘Kosher Vegetarian’. This cross-cultural project, envisaging a romance between a Gujarati man and a Jewish girl, unfortunately, never came to fruition.
9. While he portrayed an everyman onscreen, Irrfan stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch, an attribute that didn’t always translate on film but added a distinctive stature to his commanding performances.
10. Recognition also came from revered stars such as Julia Roberts, who acknowledged Irrfan’s compelling artistry by complimenting his performance in ‘The Namesake’ during an Oscar ceremony—an encounter symbolizing the universal language of truly impactful acting.
11. Finally, a touch of personal history. The actor’s father ran a tire business, a grounded family background that possibly instilled in Irrfan the value of hard work and determination that characterized his approach to the craft.
As we commemorate Irrfan Khan’s death anniversary, we reflect on the legacy he has left behind—a beacon of authentic, powerful storytelling in an industry brimming with art and artifice. His contributions to cinema, both Indian and international, established him as a beloved and respected figure in the panoramic world of film. As we delve into these 11 facts, they illuminate the portrait of a man whose life was as captivating off-screen as it was on it, reminding us why Irrfan Khan’s memory endures as the venerated ‘King of Acting’.
