Mumbai: Irrfan Khan, one of Bollywood’s most beloved actors, continues to live in the hearts of his fans even after his untimely passing on 29 April 2020. Known for his captivating performances on the big screen, Irrfan’s journey from humble beginnings to Bollywood stardom was a testament to his determination and talent.
Irrfan’s path to success was anything but conventional. Before becoming a household name, he once worked as a technician to make ends meet. In an interview, Irrfan revealed that he never imagined he would become a celebrated actor. He even shared a remarkable story about a turning point in his life, when a chance encounter with Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna ignited his passion for acting.
During his early years in Mumbai, Irrfan was working for a company that assigned him to repair air conditioning units in people’s homes. One of these homes belonged to none other than Rajesh Khanna. Recounting the moment, Irrfan said, “I remember a brother opened the door and asked me who I was. So I said, ‘AC wala,’ and he let me in. That’s how I met Rajesh Khanna. After meeting him, I decided that I wanted to become an actor.”
Before this pivotal meeting, Irrfan had been living in Jaipur, where he had completed a technical course to support himself. After moving to Mumbai to pursue his career, he soon realised that working simply to earn money wasn’t fulfilling. “My father introduced me to someone, and I ended up fixing fans in a shop,” he recalled. “That’s when I realised I can’t work just to make money.”
Following his realisation, Irrfan enrolled at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), graduating in 1987. He began searching for acting opportunities, making his debut with a small role in Salaam Bombay! (1988). However, his role was cut during the final edit. It wasn’t until 1990, when he appeared in Drishti (Death of a Doctor), that he began to make his mark in the industry.
Over the years, Irrfan went on to become an international star, known for his work in critically acclaimed films such as The Lunchbox, Piku, and Hollywood projects like Life of Pi and Jurassic World. His ability to connect with audiences through his authentic and understated performances remains unmatched, leaving an enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
Comments are closed.