Five years on, and we still haven't found a better way to say "I'm done with this" than a grainy clip of Irrfan Khan simply existing.

Walk into any Gen-Z group chat, and you’ll find him. He’s there in a pixelated Life in a Metro frame, telling us to take a chance because "kuchh nahin toh kya hua". Or he’s the deadpan face of every office worker’s 2025 long-weekend exit. As we mark what would’ve been his 58th (or 59th, depending on which record you trust) birthday this January 7, 2026, it’s clear: Irrfan Khan didn't just leave a legacy; he became our digital shorthand for truth.

The "Kya Baat Hai, Sir" Supremacy

(@indian.meme.finder/Instagram)

Irrfan Khan’s “Kya baat hai... sir” meme template from his 2017 film “Hindi Medium”.

Why does a man who passed in 2020 still dominate our reels in 2026? It’s the eyes. Those heavy, knowing lids that seemed to find the absurdity in every situation without needing a script. Whether it’s the "Kya baat hai... sir" template used for every minor life win or the "Sharafat ki duniya" monologue from Jazbaa acting as a shield for every heartbroken teen, his voice feels like a lived-in coat.

I believe the secret sauce is his lack of "hero" artifice. While other superstars gave us unattainable perfection, Irrfan gave us the guy standing next to us at the network-less mobile store. He was the "Khan" who made 14,000 crore rupees in Hollywood but looked like he’d rather be eating a home-cooked meal. Perhaps that’s why Gen-Z, a generation that smells fake sincerity from a mile away, treats his dialogues like scripture.

Sarcasm as a Survival Skill

"Mohabbat thi isliye jaane diya, zidd hoti toh baahon mein hoti” meme template.

(@mojito.cinema/Instagram)

There’s a strange comfort in his cynicism. When he says, "Mohabbat thi isliye jaane diya, zidd hoti toh baahon mein hoti," it isn't just a movie line. It’s a vibe. It’s the ultimate "it is what it is" energy that helps us navigate a 2026 world that feels increasingly chaotic.

His characters - Monty, Rana, or Saajan - weren't just roles; they were mood boards. We use his reels because they articulate the things we’re too tired to explain ourselves.

Irrfan Khan in “Life in a Metro”

As Metro In Dino hits theaters this year, the shadow of his first Metro performance looms large. He didn't just play characters; he inhabited silence.

So, Happy Birthday, Sahabzade. You’re still the most viral guy in the room, even if you aren't here to see it. We’re still taking our chances, Irrfan. Some for the win, others for the meme. It’s all life ka mantra, anyway!