Today marks the birth anniversary of Irrfan Khan, an actor who was not only treasured in Bollywood but also revered on the international stage. Known for his roles in ‘Maqbool’, ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, ‘The Lunchbox’, and ‘Piku’, Irrfan graced the screen with a presence that captivated audiences worldwide. As we pay tribute to the ‘King of Acting’, we bring to light 11 lesser-known facets of this celebrated artist.
Irrfan Khan’s journey to stardom was full of surprises and lesser-known tales that shaped his illustrious career. One such tale reveals that initially, Irrfan harbored dreams of becoming a cricketer before the world of acting summoned him. This transition from sports to performing arts marks just one of the unforeseen chapters in his life.
Shifting to the world of cinema, many Bollywood actors often opt for screen names, and Irrfan Khan was no exception. Born Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan, he truncated his name to create his cinematic identity.
Despite his cosmopolitan appeal, Irrfan’s roots remained in the humble environs of a village named Tonk in Jaipur—a stark contrast to the glitz of Bollywood, and yet, a testament to his varied life experiences.
Recalling his student days, Irrfan Khan faced a pivotal moment while in his third year at the National School of Drama (NSD). Mira Nair offered him a role in her film ‘Salaam Bombay’ during this time. Accepting the challenge, Irrfan took the plunge, which paved the path for his storied ‘his-story’ in cinema. Ironically, his height, which eventually became one of his distinctive features, led to his role being trimmed in ‘Salaam Bombay’. Nonetheless, he emerged tall in his craft, unshaken by such setbacks.
Irrfan’s accolades weren’t just confined to the Indian subcontinent. In an unprecedented feat for Indian cinema, ‘The Lunchbox’ starring Irrfan Khan became the only Indian film to be honored with a Toronto Film Critics Association Award.
When it comes to opportunities, few can be as alluring as a role in a Christopher Nolan movie. However, Irrfan turned down a part in Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’, prioritizing his commitments to ‘The Lunchbox’ and ‘D-Day’. His decision, grounded in loyalty, only adds to the affection fans continue to hold for him.
Adding to the intrigue, before gaining fame as an actor, Irrfan honed his skills as an AC technician. Fatefully, this job once took him to the house of the Bollywood megastar Rajesh Khanna for a routine repair—a prelude to his own celebrity status.
In a cross-cultural project that never saw the light of day, Irrfan was cast alongside Natalie Portman in Mira Nair’s ‘Kosher Vegetarian’, a film chronicling a Gujarati man’s love affair with a Jewish girl.
Despite his seemingly average stature on screen, in reality, Irrfan stood at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch tall, his physicality commanding as much presence as his deep, thoughtful performances.
Julia Roberts, a figure synonymous with Hollywood excellence, once approached Irrfan at the Oscars, commending him for his work in ‘The Namesake’. This interaction reflected the cross-over appeal and impact of his remarkable talent.
Lastly, away from the celluloid glimmer, Irrfan Khan hailed from a family where his father ran a tire business—a humbling reminder of his non-filmy heritage.
As we reminisce about Irrfan Khan on his birth anniversary, we do so knowing he will forever be remembered as an actor of incomparable skill and subtlety—a true luminary who transcended borders with his performances. He may no longer be with us, but the storied legacy of the ‘King of Acting’ endures in the hearts of cinema lovers everywhere.
