Tigmanshu Dhulia remembers Irrfan Khan, his “only friend” on Friendship Day
On World Friendship Day, director-actor Tigmanshu Dhulia fondly remembers his ‘only friend’ and legendary actor, Irrfan Khan.
The Bollywood dosti started in National School of Drama in 1986 when Tigmanshu joined the college and met his senior Irrfan. “Apni jodi bass bann gayi (We just hit it off), and we both grew in our personal and professional lives together,” he said in an interview with Hindustan Times.
The Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster director how their friendship was a genuine one, and how Irrfan knew all his strengths and weaknesses and could see right through him.” Post Irrfan’s unfortunate death in 2020 due to cancer-related complications, he said “Mera bhi abh koi dost bacha nahi hai” (I don’t have any friends left now.)
The acclaimed director’s honest and heartfelt confessions about the long-standing friendship really touch readers’ hearts.
As Tigmanshu said, they have only been great friends but worked together to make masterpieces on several occasions.
When Tigmanshu and Irrfan worked together
They first worked together on the 1995 TV serial ‘Naya Daur.’ Then, Tigmanshu directed Khan in his directorial debut, ‘Haasil’ in 2003, and later in the famous soldier-turned-rebel biopic of ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ in 2012–the performance went on to earn Khan a National Award for Best Actor. Irrfan featured in Tigmanshu’s Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster 2 as well.
After Irrfan’s passing in 2020, Tigmanshu said that his growth slowed, because Irrfan used to push him to do better, and he believed no actors that understood the characters so deeply remained.
Irrfan Khan’s tragic death in 2020
Irrfan passed away on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53, in a Mumbai hospital. His death was mourned worldwide by fans and peers who remembered him for the great artist and man he was.
He is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and his sons, new actor Babil Khan and Ayaan Khan.
Irrfan khan’s career
Irrfan Khan was a legendary and immensely talented actor whose career spanned over three decades and left an indelible mark on both Indian and international cinema. Irrfan pursued a degree in Arts at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, honing his craft and preparing himself for a remarkable journey in the world of entertainment.
Irrfan’s acting career began in the late 1980s with appearances in television shows like “Bharat Ek Khoj” and “Chanakya.” He captivated audiences with his compelling performances, but it was his breakthrough role in the critically acclaimed British-Indian film “The Warrior” (2001) that brought him international recognition. The film won the Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film at the BAFTA Awards, establishing Irrfan as a global talent.
In Bollywood, Irrfan’s exceptional acting prowess earned him numerous accolades and widespread acclaim. He was renowned for his ability to portray complex and unconventional characters with depth and authenticity. Films like “Maqbool,” “Haasil,” “Life in a… Metro,” and “The Namesake” showcased his versatility as an actor and garnered him a dedicated fan base.
Irrfan Khan’s international career soared with roles in acclaimed movies such as “A Mighty Heart,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” and “Life of Pi.” His performance in “The Lunchbox” received widespread acclaim, and the film was even nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Throughout his career, Irrfan Khan received numerous awards and honors, including several Filmfare Awards, Screen Awards, and the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also bestowed with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his significant contributions to the world of cinema.
In 2018, Irrfan announced that he had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor and sought treatment abroad. Despite his health battle, he continued to work on projects, displaying remarkable courage and dedication to his craft. His final film appearance was in Homi Adjania’s ‘Angrezi Medium,’ which was released on 13th March, 2020.
