Irrfan Khan, Extraordinary actor from India, Passes away at 53

Mumbai, April 29, 2020:

Irrfan Khan, National Award winning actor and darling of film critics worldwide, passed away earlier today at a hospital in Mumbai. He was battling a colon infection.

Shoojit Sircar, Bollywood director who worked with Irrfan Khan in the 2015 hit 'Piku', was the earliest to claim in a tweet that the star had passed away. Sircar's tweet was made amid intense speculation over the actor's health in the last few days.

"My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute", Sircar wrote in his tweet.

Now, a string of A-listers has come forward to offer their condolences for the actor who is much revered for his string of quite frankly, extraordinary performances which catapulted him to stardom across the world.

Amitabh Bachchan, taking to Twitter, wrote, "just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news ..An incredible talent .. a gracious colleague .. a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema .. left us too soon .. creating a huge vacuum .. Prayers and duas".

Soon after a report of Khan's hospitalization was made public on Tuesday, rumours of his death started doing the rounds on social media. However, a spokesperson was quick to dismiss the rumours.

"It's really disappointing to know that there are extreme assumptions being made about Irrfan's health. While we are truly appreciative that people are concerned, it's disheartening to see some sources spread extreme rumours and creating panic. Irrfan is a strong person and is still fighting the battle. We really request you to not fall for rumours and not partake in these conversations which are fictional. We have always actively clarified and shared updates on his health and we will continue doing so," said the statement, issued on behalf of Irrfan by his spokesperson.

Known for his work predominantly in Hindi cinema, as well as his works in British films and Hollywood, Khan was battling cancer since 2018. On 16 March 2018, Khan announced through a Twitter post that he was suffering from a neuroendocrine tumour, and later went to London for treatment.

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