Here are 10 lesser-known facts about legendary actor Irrfan Khan on the late actor’s death anniversary.
Today, on hisdeath anniversary, we celebrate the life and legacy of Irrfan Khan — a true gem of Indian and global cinema. Though he is no longer with us, his work, spirit, and incredible journey continue to inspire millions around the world. Beyond his unforgettable performances, Irrfan embodied resilience, humility, and an unmatched passion for storytelling. On this special day, here are 10 lesser-known facts that offer a deeper glimpse into the man behind the legend.
1. A Royal Connection
Born into a zamindar family in Tonk, Rajasthan, Irrfan had royal ancestry. Despite family expectations to join the family business, he carved his own unique path into acting, giving the world a treasure it would have otherwise missed.
2. A Cricketer At Heart
Before acting captured his destiny, Irrfan dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer. Fate, however, had other plans, leading him to the National School of Drama (NSD) in 1984 on a scholarship.
3. Early Struggles In Mumbai
In his early days in Mumbai, Irrfan worked as an air-conditioner repairman. It was during one of his service calls that he once visited the house of legendary actor Rajesh Khanna, unaware that he too would later become a celebrated name.
4. A Thoughtful Change To His Name
It was Irrfan’s decision to add an extra 'R' to his name, believing it brought him positive energy and charm. Thus, he became Irrfan Khan, a name the world would come to revere.
5. Missed Opportunities Abroad
Despite global acclaim, Irrfan chose to stay grounded. He famously turned down a role in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar and later refused another Hollywood offer due to his health constraints, showcasing his deep-rooted priorities.
6. A Passionate Reader
Irrfan had an immense love for reading, often staying up until 3 AM to devour new scripts. His commitment to understanding characters deeply was one of the reasons behind his layered performances.
7. Struggles With Stereotypes
Despite his success, Irrfan disliked being labeled a “serious” actor. He wished to explore all genres, aspiring for his films to connect with larger audiences and be commercially successful.
8. Facing Airport Detentions
Irrfan faced uncomfortable detentions at Los Angeles airports because his name resembled that of a terror suspect — a reality he dealt with, often with his characteristic calm.
9. His Special Bond With Tabu
Among his co-stars, Irrfan shared a particularly special bond with Tabu. Their chemistry in films like Maqbool and The Namesake remains iconic.
10. A Timeless Legacy
Irrfan became the only Bollywood actor to star in two Academy Award-winning films, Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and Life of Pi (2012), cementing his place not just in Indian cinema, but globally.
Irrfan Khan’s life and work continue to remind us that true greatness lies in passion and perseverance. Here's to the legend who made storytelling an emotion and will forever live in our hearts through his art.
See Also:Irrfan’s son Ayaan Khan shares memories of his father
More on - Irrfan Khan, legendary actor, death anniversary, Indian cinema, global cinema, Tabu, Maqbool, The Namesake, Slumdog Millionaire, Life of PiRajesh Khanna, Interstellar, Hollywood
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