Irrfan's greatest work was how he lived his life – with truth, depth, simplicity!
They say to be a great artist, you first need to be a great human being. We know that’s not always true — the world has seen brilliant artists who were far from admirable in real life. But when it comes to Irrfan Khan, that old belief feels right. He wasn’t just extraordinary on screen; he was extraordinary off it too. And no, this isn’t just about his dedication to acting or his professionalism. It’s about the quiet greatness he carried in the way he lived, the way he treated people, and the way he faced life’s toughest battles with courage and grace. Beyond awards and applause, Irrfan set an example — simply with his character. More than any of his performances, his true legacy is the dignity he left behind.
Widely regarded as one of the finest actors in world cinema, Irrfan breathed his last on April 29, 2020. As we commemorate his 5th death anniversary, let's talk about the instances that showed his remarkable character.
Despite being a worldwide phenomenon, Irrfan led a life that was remarkably simple. He chose an unpretentious lifestyle, staying in a modest apartment with his wife, Sutapa Sikdar, and their children. His mornings were often spent reading scripts, his evenings spent with family, and his life away from the spotlight was rooted in the small joys that many of us often overlook.
There’s a story from his early days in Mumbai when he would catch a local train to reach the set. Even after becoming a global name, he avoided the extravagant trappings of fame. According to his close friend and fellow actor, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Irrfan “never let success change him. He remained the same man who came to Mumbai with nothing but a dream.”
Tigmanshu Dhulia with Irrfan during the shoot of ‘Haansil’
Irrfan's commitment to his work over his lineage was one of the most striking aspects of his character. Born into a royal family in Tonk, Rajasthan, his full name was Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan. But what most people don’t know is that he was quite embarrassed by his royal heritage. He rarely mentioned it, and to further distance himself from any form of privilege, he dropped the ‘Khan’ from his name. Because he didn’t want to be defined by his surname, nor did he want to ride on the coattails of his family’s name. He wanted his work to speak for him.
He once said in an interview, “I never felt that the ‘Khan’ should come in the way of my work. My name should stand for the work I do and not be something that I use to make a place for myself." This was a powerful message in an industry that often elevates stars based on their last name.
Despite his soaring success in Western cinema with films like 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Life of Pi', Irrfan always kept his roots firmly planted in Indian cinema. One of the most defining moments of his career came when he turned down a role in 'Interstellar', Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus, as he was already committed to 'The Lunchbox', the small indie film that later became a massive success.
Irrfan in ‘The Lunchbox’
In an interview, Irrfan explained, “It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make, but 'The Lunchbox' was something I believed in deeply. It’s not about the size of the film but about the story and what I can contribute.” This decision speaks volumes about his values. While 'Interstellar' promised to catapult him further into international fame, he chose to stay loyal to a project that resonated with him on a personal and artistic level. In doing so, he also reaffirmed his commitment to telling Indian stories on a global stage.
Another incredible aspect of Irrfan’s life was his quiet strength in the face of adversity. In 2018, when he was diagnosed with a serious illness, he chose not to make it a public spectacle. Unlike many celebrities today who use their health battles to gain attention (no disrespect though, it's their choice), Irrfan remained private about his struggles. He fought his battle away from the media’s glare, choosing to focus on his work and family instead of sharing the details of his condition with the world.
(Credit: JioHotstar)
In a post on social media, he wrote, “Sometimes you wake up with a jolt. The moment you realize you are at the crossroads, and you can either choose to face it, fight it, or withdraw.” Despite his diagnosis, he continued to work, staying focused on what mattered to him most — his craft. His resilience was inspiring, not just for his fans but for everyone who followed his journey closely.
Irrfan was known for his humility. No matter how big the project was or how renowned the co-stars were, he treated everyone with the same respect. Co-actors, directors, crew members, and even his fans recall stories of Irrfan's down-to-earth nature. Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher once shared a touching memory of working with him, saying, “Irrfan would always take the time to chat with everyone on set. Whether it was the spot boy or the director, he made no distinction between his co-actors and the crew. Everyone was important."
Some losses are never replaceable.
— Red Chillies Entertainment (@RedChilliesEnt) April 29, 2020
Dear Irrfan, your humility, talent and kind spirit shall forever be etched in our hearts. You are gone too soon but your legacy stays behind inspiring the millions of lives you’ve touched. May you rest in peace! #IrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/CLrSPoa0ws
(Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment)
Deepika Padukone once shared that when filming 'Piku', Irrfan went out of his way to ease the nerves of the less experienced crew members, offering a kind word or a helping hand whenever needed. More than a popular figure; he was a genuine human being who treated everyone with respect, regardless of their role.
(Credit: Sony Pictures Films India)
Well, Irrfan taught us that success is not measured by awards or public adoration, but by how we treat others, how we remain authentic, and how we deal with life’s challenges. As he once said, "Life is not about the work you do, but the life you live."
