Bollywood stars and public figures have shared a mass of tributes in the wake of Slumdog Millionaire actor Irrfan Khan’s tragic death aged 53.
Today it was confirmed the star had died after being admitted to hosptial with a colon infection on Tuesday.
The Life of Pi star was rushed to a Mumbai hospital for treatment and placed in intensive care.
However, he died on Wednesday (29 April) evening, with Irrfan’s representatives confirming the news with a statement.
Not long after, tributes began to pour in on social media, with actors, comedians, directors and members of politics sharing their heartbreak at the tragic loss.
Prolific Bollywood star Akshay Kumar was one of the first to share their sorrow, as he wrote on Twitter: ‘Such terrible news…saddened to hear about the demise of #IrrfanKhan, one of the finest actors of our time.
‘May God give strength to his family in this difficult time.’
Bollywood and Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra shared a photo of her with Irrfan, as she wrote on Twitter: ‘The charisma you brought to everything you did was pure magic.
‘Your talent forged the way for so many in so many avenues.. You inspired so many of us. #IrrfanKhan you will truly be missed. Condolences to the family. (sic)’
The pair were joined by Randeep Hooda, who shared his sentiments of the loss to cinema.
He wrote: ‘Gone too soon is the inspiration and the entertainment #IrrfanKhan a great loss to cinema and the craft .. may you rest in peace brother.’
Bhumi Pednekar, an actress who has appeared in Hindi films including Dala and Dum Laga Ke Haisha shared a lengthy statement to social media.
‘So heartbroken on the demise of #IrrfanKhan sir,’ she wrote. ‘We are shocked & just sad. My condolences to the family.’
The star added: ‘You will live on forever in our hearts sir. Thank you for entertaining us and giving us such powerful performances .You were an institution & an inspirational force . RIP.’
Anupam Kher wrote to his 16million Twitter followers: ‘Nothing can be more heartbreaking and tragic than the news of passing away of a dear friend, one of the finest actors and a wonderful human being #IrrfanKhan. Saddest day!! May his soul rest in peace. #OmShanti.’
Farhan Akhtar wrote: ‘#IrrfanKhan was truly a one of a kind actor and the magic he brought to the screen will be sorely missed. RIP. #gonetosoon.’
Tiger Shroff chimed in, adding: ‘Saddened by the untimely passing of #IrrfanKhan sirFolded hands condolences to the familyFolded handsFolded hands gone too soon.;
Confirming the sad news, Irrfan’s representatives said in a statement today: ‘“I trust, I have surrendered”, these were some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt 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.’
They continued: ‘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.’
Irrfan rose to fame in 1988 starring in the movie Salaam Bombay before propelling his stardom with his role in 2001’s The Warrior, directed by Asif Kapadia.
Over the years, he crossed over into Hollywood and earned roles in Slumdog Millionaire, also starring Dev Patel and Frieda Pinto, Jurassic World alongside Chris Pratt, The Life of Pi, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Darjeeling Limited.
Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle once described his performance in the Oscar-winning film as ‘beautiful to watch’.
Irrfan is survived by wife Sutapa Sikdar and their two sons Babil and Ayan.
