Irrfan Khan was a popular Indian actor and producer. He was born on 7 January 1967 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He died on 29 April 2020 in Mumbai. He earned his diploma from National School of Drama, New Delhi. 

His father, Sahabzada Yaseen Ali Khan was a businessman. His mother, Ayyada Begum was a homemaker. He had two brothers, Salman Khan and Imran Khan, and a sister, Rukhsana Begum. 

He was married to Sutapa Sikandar. They have two sons, Ayaan Khan and Babil Khan. 

Irrfan Khan’s favourites

His hobbies were reading books and playing cricket. 

His favourite actors were Philip Huffman, Robert Downey Jr, Al Pacino, and Marlon Brando. 

His favourite film was ‘The Man’ (1950).

Interesting facts about Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan’s family suffered from financial challenges when he was a kid. During his teenage years, Irrfan Khan worked as an air conditioner repairer to earn a living. He also taught young kids to make the ends meet.

He loved playing cricket as a child. He was also selected for the CK Nayudu Tournament; however, he could not participate due to some reasons. 

He was pursuing his MA when he earned a scholarship to enrol in National School of Drama. 

Irrfan Khan in ‘Salaam Bombay’

During the final year of his diploma at NSD, he was offered a minor role in Mira Nair’s 1988 film ‘Salaam Bombay.’

Before his Bollywood film debut, Irrfan Khan appeared in the 1985 TV serial ‘Srikant.’

In the year 2001, Irrfan Khan worked in his first British film ‘The Warrior.’

Gaining popularity

In 2003, Irrfan Khan gained recognition for his role in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s 2003 film ‘Haasil.’

He played his first lead role in the Hindi film ‘Rog’ in the year 2005. 

Irrfan Khan met Sutapa Sikandar during his time at NSD. The two formed a bond while studying together and got married in 1995. 

Irrfan Khan’s legacy

He earned international critical acclaim for his 2013 film ‘Paan Singh Tomar.’ Irrfan Khan was honoured with the National Film Award for his role in the film. 

Irrfan Khan won the TFCA Award for the film ‘Lunch Box’ and became the first India actor to receive the award. 

In the year 2015, he was declared the brand ambassador of ‘Resurgent Rajasthan’ by the Government of Rajasthan.

He played the role of ‘Simon Masrani’ in the 2015 Hollywood film ‘Jurassic World.’

Irrfan Khan was the first and only Indian actor to be awarded with Academy Awards for the drama films ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008), and ‘Life of Pi’ (2012).

Irrfan Khan’s demise

On 16 March 2018, he revealed on his Twitter account that he was suffering from a rare disease called ‘neuroendocrine tumour.’

Irrfan Khan passed away on 29 April 2020 in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai. 

Irrfan Khan’s awards

In the year 2004, Irrfan Khan won the Filmfare Award for his negative role in the film ‘Haasil.’

In 2011, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri Award.

In 2018, he received the Best Actor Award for the Hindi film ‘Hindi Medium.’

Irrfan Khan’s filmography

Irrfan Khan’s popular films are The Darjeeling Limited (2007), Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008), Saheb Biwi Aur Ganster (2013), Gunday (2014), 7 Khoon Maaf (2011), D Day (2013), Maqbool (2003), Haider (2014), Life in an Metro (2007), Chillar Party (2011), Inferno (2016), Talvar (2015), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Life of Pi (2012), Piku (2015), Angrezi Medium (2020), and many more.