Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and legendary actor Irrfan Khan on the fifth anniversary of his passing. Irrfan, who succumbed to a rare form of cancer on April 29, 2020, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and the hearts of his admirers.
Taking to Instagram, Sircar shared behind-the-scenes photos from the set of their acclaimed film Piku, which also starred Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan. In an emotional note addressed to Irrfan, Sircar reminisced about their cherished moments together. He fondly recalled their “jhal muri sessions,” laughter, and deep conversations about life, spiritualism, and science. Sircar mentioned how these discussions, especially during Irrfan’s treatment in London, left a lasting impression on him. He wrote, “Your smile and those mystical eyes of yours are etched in my memory. It’s not easy living every day without you; there’s a huge vacuum.”
Sircar also expressed his bond with Irrfan’s family, particularly his sons Babil and Ayan. He shared that he has become a “bit of a guardian” to Babil, with whom he plays football and collaborates on film projects. Sircar assured Irrfan that Babil is carving his own space in the industry and is on the path his father envisioned for him.
The tribute resonated deeply within the film fraternity, with actors like Richa Chadha and Rasika Dugal expressing their sentiments in the comments. Sircar concluded his note by expressing comfort in the belief that Irrfan is watching over them and signed off with love and admiration for his late friend.
Irrfan Khan’s legacy continues to inspire, with his performances in films like Piku, The Lunchbox, and Maqbool celebrated worldwide. His son Babil is also making strides in the industry, carrying forward his father’s artistic vision.
