Irrfan Khan: The Forever Struggler

It was in 2003 that a new director burst on the screen with a fresh movie, Haasil.  Even though the movie was headlined by Jimmy Shergill, Tigmanshu Dhulia had ensured that another actor in a negative role had an equally meaty character.  Irrfan Khan made an impact.  And, the director-actor then went on to collaborate in many successful ventures.  Irrfan won his first Filmfare award too for his performance. The same year Maqbool released and I couldn't take my eyes off Irrfan Khan.  The movie was an amazing adaptation of Macbeth by Vishal Bhardwaj.  In a powerful role, a relative nobody playing the titular role had managed to outshine Pankaj Kapur and even Tabu in the movie.  An actor at last had arrived on the scene.  Someone who didn't look like a regular hero.  No chocolate looks.  No chiseled features nor a body to stare at.  Yet here was someone who could mesmerise the viewer with his effortless acting and amazing voice. 

Another movie in 2007, 'Life in Metro', established the versatility of the actor beyond doubts.  In another author-backed role, Irrfan shone as a bachelor desperate to get married.  Many movies happened, Irrfan made a transition from being an art house actor to even a commercial one; Billu, produced by Shah Rukh Khan, made decent money.  He managed to keep even a mundane 'Gunday' alive with his acting chops - and the movie surprisingly made money.  He also smoothly crossed seas and appeared in acclaimed movies in Hollywood.  He teamed up with Tabu again in 'Namesake', based on Jhumpa Lahiri's Pulitzer winning novel of the same name. He went on to become the most well-known Indian actor overseas.

Irrfan won hearts with Pan Singh Tomar, another Tigmanshu Dhulia direction.  He went on to win the Best Actor trophy at the National Awards.  His turn in 'Lunchbox' tugged at everyone's heart.  2015 saw him appear in two of his best works, 'Piku', and 'Talwar', the movie that brought the murder of Aarushi Talwar to screen.  There were other Hollywood movies along with the way too.  'Life of Pi', 'Jurassic World', 'Inferno', and so on.  In 2017 he starred in his biggest hit of the career, 'Hindi Medium', a laugh-riot with a message. 

What most did not know was Irrfan began his acting career with 'Salaam Bombay', a movie rated one of the best ever, and features regularly in World Top 100.  That was in 1988.  And, it had taken a good 15 years of struggle for Irrfan to be noticed. Between  And for over a decade he had not received an offer to appear in any cinema in that period. And, again, just when he was at the height of success and popularity, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.  He was barely able to finish shooting for 'Angrezi Medium', after his treatment for the disease.  While he was under treatment he even wrote poingnantly about the struggle to come to terms wth his illness.  

From 2003 for just over 15 years Irrfan stayed in the limelight.  He was one of the rare performers who never was in news for any reason, right or wrong.  It is just his work that spoke to the auidence.  He made the mundane appear endearing.  His acting gave a new meaning to the word, 'effortless'. Every role came alive and became utterly believable because Irrfan became them. Unlike the stars who would be themselves in every role, movie after movie.  Among the many shining zircons, Irrfan was an unassuming diamond. 

It was no less than a miracle that Irrfan had risen from obscurity to become a star. There was no further miracle in store for him.  His struggle with the fate occurred again and it claimed him this time.  

Farewell Irrfan! May you rest in peace.  May you never be troubled by the struggles you faced again.