'Inferno' actor Irrfan Khan dies at 53 after two-year battle with rare tumor: ‘I trust, I have surrendered’
A stalwart in Indian and international cinema, Irrfan Khan breathed his last at the age of 53. The actor, who spelled magic with his performances, in prominent Indian movies, was also known for his impact in the global films.
In 2018, he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor and after a long battle with the rare-disease, he died after being admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, India late Tuesday where he was under observation for colon infection.
An official statement by the actor’s representatives said: "‘I trust, I have surrendered,’ these were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. It’s saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him."
It further read, "After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heavenly abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it’."
His close friend, Indian director Shoojit Sircar revealed the news on Twitter, "My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute."
A career spanning almost thirty years saw him in over 50 Bollywood films as well as a string of popular Hollywood movies. He first stepped into the Indian film industry in 1988 and soon made a name for himself with films like 'Maqbool', 'Haasil', 'Life in a... Metro' and 'Salaam Bombay!'.
His incredible dedication to the craft earned him big roles in internationally-acclaimed movies like 'The Warrior' (2001), 'The Namesake' (2006), 'The Darjeeling Limited' (2007), the Academy Award-winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008), 'New York, I Love You' (2009), 'The Amazing Spider-Man' (2012) and 'Life of Pi' (2012).
His last movies in global cinema included 'Jurassic World' (2015), 'Inferno' (2016), and 'Puzzle' (2018). Irrfan had undergone treatment abroad for several months in 2019 and he also lost his 95-year-old mother, Saeeda Begum, on Saturday.
