From NSD to Hollywood: How His Legacy Continues to Inspire Cinema
On the fifth death anniversary of one of India’s greatest cinematic icons, Irrfan Khan, his legacy continues to resonate with fans, colleagues, and collaborators. Known for his profound impact on global cinema and for his incredible versatility, Irrfan’s absence is still deeply felt in the world of film. Today, we look back on how some of his closest collaborators have reflected on his life and work, celebrating the memory of a man who was truly “the coolest guy in the room.”
A Presence That Endured: A Tribute to an Immortal Actor
Despite passing away in 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer, Irrfan Khan’s work has maintained a timeless quality. Fans continue to find him alive and kicking on-screen, as his iconic performances in films like Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, and Life of Pi remain unforgettable. The emotional connection his films create still resonates with viewers, making it hard to imagine the film industry without him.
In the 2021 film Superboys of Malegaon, a character reflects on the untimely passing of the legendary Bruce Lee, asking, “Why did he die so young?” The reply, “He is not dead. Just watch! See how he is kicking,” immediately evokes memories of Irrfan Khan. His powerful performances had a similar effect on audiences. Even today, watching his movies feels like reconnecting with a friend, a collaborator, or a part of the collective cinematic consciousness that we will never fully let go of.
Tigmanshu Dhulia: A Journey from NSD to Paan Singh Tomar
The bond between Irrfan Khan and Tigmanshu Dhulia was one that spanned both personal and professional realms. Their association began at the National School of Drama (NSD), where Irrfan, though initially not considered a standout actor, would go on to become one of India’s finest. Tigmanshu, who had been two years junior to Irrfan Khan at NSD, shared a unique camaraderie with the actor, based on their shared love of classic films.
Recalling their early days, Tigmanshu said, “Irrfan wasn’t a good actor in his class when I met him, but after one or two plays, they realized ‘baap re baap ye kya cheez hai’ (my God, what is this!).” The two formed a deep bond over time, and Tigmanshu always admired Irrfan’s ability to transform into any character effortlessly.
In an interview with Mukesh Chhabra, Tigmanshu further elaborated on the magic of Irrfan’s acting: “Irrfan understood life and saw it through a positive lens. You can’t be lifeless when you are an actor, and he was full of life. He did magic on screen and people believed in that magic. Because he was able to do this, he had a connection with the audience. He had a purity inside as a human being, and that’s why he achieved this.”
Naseeruddin Shah: A Fellow Artist’s Tribute
Naseeruddin Shah, another titan of Indian cinema, had a profound respect for Irrfan Khan’s work and his understated style of acting. In his heartfelt tribute, Naseeruddin recalled the first time he saw Irrfan Khan perform, remarking that he was instantly struck by Irrfan’s natural, understated charisma. As a fellow actor who had mastered the art of minimalism, Naseer praised Irrfan khan for his ability to command attention without ever feeling the need to shout or overact.