Beyond the silver screen, Irrfan’s life was stitched with stories even more fascinating than the characters he portrayed.
There’s no need to say it again — Irrfan Khan was an extraordinary talent. The world knows it. What’s not spoken about enough, however, is how intriguing he was beyond his career. For instance, he belonged to a Royal lineage, but unlike most, he was embarrassed by it and barely spoke about it. His first dream wasn’t even acting — he actually wanted to become a cricketer, and stumbled into acting almost accidentally. Even after finding success, he once thought of quitting acting simply because he was 'bored'. But perhaps the lesser-known chapter of his early life is this — before stepping into films, he was working a regular, far-from-glamorous job.
Today, as we remember the legendary actor on his death anniversary, let’s take a walk down that lesser-known aspect of his life.
After graduating from the National School of Drama (NSD) in 1987, opportunities didn’t immediately come knocking for Irrfan. He had to survive, and hence, took up the job of an air conditioning (AC) technician in Mumbai.
According to various interviews and reports, Irrfan worked for a company that installed and repaired air conditioners across Mumbai. It wasn't really glamorous — it was physically tiring, poorly paid, and completely unrelated to his passion. At that time, he reportedly earned around Rs 300–Rs 500 per assignment — barely enough to sustain himself in the city of dreams.
Irrfan in a still from ‘Salaam Bombay!’
But true to his nature, he treated every role in life, even the ones away from the camera, with dignity.
One of the most fascinating incidents from his AC technician days is when he was sent to repair an air conditioner at none other than Rajesh Khanna’s house. Imagine the scene: A young, struggling actor standing inside the house of the man who was India’s first superstar!
In later interviews, Irrfan fondly recalled that day. He said he was awestruck seeing Khanna but was too shy and too professional to show it. Instead of fawning over him, he quietly did his job and left. There was no conversation, no picture, no autograph moment. Just a silent meeting of two very different worlds — one on top of the world, the other just dreaming of reaching there.
(Credit: Movie Talkies)
Looking back, it almost feels surreal — the boy fixing an air conditioner, unaware that one day, he himself would become a legend of World cinema.
Even while repairing ACs, Irrfan never completely let go of acting. He did small theatre shows and television serials, and waited for his break. He appeared in TV shows like 'Chanakya', 'Bharat Ek Khoj', and 'Chandrakanta', often playing side roles. But the journey was slow, frustrating, and often thankless.
“I remember sobbing all night when Mira told me that my part was reduced to merely nothing. But it changed something within me. I was prepared for anything after that”
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) July 17, 2022
(1988) Irrfan Khan in a still from his debut film ‘Salaam Bombay’, shot at Kala Ghoda. pic.twitter.com/aUfgN0XQmV
(Credit: Film History Pics)
He even considered quitting the industry altogether after becoming disillusioned with the kind of work he was being offered. But destiny had bigger plans.
He did ~30 films and 20+ TV shows in 16 years, before Maqbool.
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) January 7, 2022
Irrfan Khan would’ve turned 55 today. pic.twitter.com/lTb7SwS8vY
(Credit: Film History Pics)
In the early 2000s, films like 'The Warrior' (directed by Asif Kapadia) and 'Haasil' finally showcased his talent to the world. And there was no looking back. 'Maqbool', 'Paan Singh Tomar', 'The Lunchbox', 'Life of Pi', 'Jurassic World', 'Piku', 'Hindi Medium' — the list of his iconic performances just kept growing.
From fixing air conditioners to fixing the broken narratives in Bollywood with his raw, authentic performances, Irrfan's journey remains one of the most inspiring stories ever told.
