Irrfan Khan’s 5 most memorable moments – from Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi to quoting Gone with the Wind novelist Margaret Mitchell
The Bollywood legend passed away on April 29 – but not without touching millions of hearts the world over with his passionate portrayals and warm humanity
In the wake of Irrfan Khan’s death, friends and journalists the world over are taking a pause to remember his amazing life and astounding career. Here STYLE celebrates five of the late Bollywood legend’s most memorable moments.
His role in Slumdog Millionaire
Irrfan Khan was already famous throughout his native India when he was asked to play the role of a police officer in Slumdog Millionaire. Even so, the role took him to new heights as international audiences discovered what Bollywood film-goers already knew: Khan was no ordinary actor. The movie won multiple Academy Awards, and director Danny Boyle recently credited Khan for playing a “pivotal role” in the film’s amazing success.
The goodbye scene in Life of Pi
Pundits point out that there is a strange beauty in hearing Khan speaking English. Even so, there is one outstanding scene in Life of Pi that is about more than his amazing vocal ability. In the movie, he talks about his late father, telling his interviewer that while the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, what hurts most is not taking a moment to say goodbye. It’s a sentiment that is sure to resonate with fans the world over who struggle to deal with the incredible loss of life the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about.
His decision to remain in India