“The day I become conventional, something inside me will die,” were the words of Irrfan Khan. And true to his words, he remains one of the finest actors in the industry, known for his talent. He had the ability to truly become the character he’s playing. He will never be your conventional Bollywood Star. For he was never a star, he was a genuine actor above all.
Sometimes we fail to acknowledge the truth of the film industry. Every expectation that actors and actresses have to achieve, set by society. The six-pack and attractive physique, the connections which have become a necessity to be successful – it’s all real. And something Irrfan Khan did not have. Yet he, a so-called supporting actor has delivered beyond brilliant performances for all the lead roles he’s played. And it is solely because of his talent and hard work, that he rose to stardom as he did.
Irrfan Khan was born into a Muslim family of Pathans in Rajasthan. In fact, his interest in acting sprouted under his maternal uncle’s influence who was a theatre artist. After completing his Masters in Jaipur, he enrolled himself into the National School of Drama despite his parents’ disapproval. His initial years in the industry were challenging. All through diploma films, television serial amongst other things, he has struggled in his life.
His first successful film was Maqbool in 2003. Next, his villainous role in ‘Haasil’ got him a Filmfare Award. In 2007, his role in ‘Life in A Metro’ was highly impressive. His next hits in Bollywood included Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, Piku and Hindi Medium. He is well-known even in the western industry having acted in international films like The Amazing Spider-Man, Life of Pi and Slumdog Millionaire.
Irrfan Khan will live on forever, for legends never die.
