Irrfan Khan, a cinematic legend, left an indelible mark on the film industry with his talent and versatility before passing away in April 2020 after a two-year battle with a neuroendocrine tumor. Five years after his demise, his wife Sutapa Sikdar revealed heartwarming anecdotes and dreams that Irrfan cherished but couldn’t fulfill, during a session at the Irrfan Theatre Festival in Jaipur.
The Visionary Actor
Sutapa, alongside filmmaker Akarsh Khurana, spoke about Irrfan’s unique approach to acting and life. Khurana, reminiscing about his experience with Irrfan, described him as a man with insatiable curiosity. “His acting stood out because he never lost himself in his craft. He had knowledge about everything,” Khurana said. Sharing an unforgettable memory from the Karwaan shoot, he recalled how Irrfan suddenly disappeared during a break in a remote location. He returned 20 minutes later, ecstatic, after taking a sunset picture with a boatman. “That was Irrfan – someone who knew how to live in the moment and find beauty in the simplest things.”
Sutapa added that Irrfan’s grounded nature and deep artistic sensibility made him not just a great actor but also an inspiring human being. “He always wanted to tell stories that created an impact. For him, the intention behind a project mattered more than its scale or genre,” she said.
Irrfan’s Unfulfilled Dreams
One of Irrfan’s most cherished dreams was to set up an acting institute in his hometown Jaipur, a city he loved deeply. Sutapa revealed that Irrfan wanted to nurture future artists and help them discover their potential. He also had aspirations beyond cinema, including farming. Owning a mango farm in Maharashtra, Irrfan envisioned cultivating organic crops and expanding his fruit gardens to other locations.
These dreams showcased Irrfan’s multifaceted personality—an actor, a philosopher, and a dreamer.
A Life of Gratitude and Simplicity
Sutapa described Irrfan as someone who embraced life with gratitude. “He never held grudges or spoke ill of anyone. Even after coming home from a hard day’s work, he wouldn’t complain,” she said. His calm demeanor and spiritual nature were nurtured by influences like J. Krishnamurti and Osho, introduced to him by close friends like Mahesh Bhatt.
In his final days, Irrfan turned to books, completing the 12 volumes of The Complete Works of Vivekananda, which a friend had gifted him. He reflected deeply on life’s purpose and believed all spiritual seekers shared a common essence.
No Struggles, Only Stories
Sutapa dismissed the idea that the couple faced struggles in life. “We never had struggle days. We started with a bike and then upgraded to a Land Cruiser. But we had so much fun on that bike!” She fondly remembered their shared love for poetry, books, and simple joys like bike rides through Mumbai. “Poverty is not a struggle; the real struggle lies in the mind,” she said.
Stories That Mattered
Irrfan’s ability to connect with audiences was unmatched. Sutapa revealed that he particularly loved Paan Singh Tomar and Maqbool. The former resonated with him for its poetic justice and the power of storytelling. “He had a remarkable way of telling stories that touched people’s hearts,” Sutapa said.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Irrfan is survived by Sutapa and their two sons, Babil and Ayan. Babil has made his acting debut with the Netflix original Qala and is also set to collaborate with Shoojit Sircar on an upcoming project.
As the world remembers Irrfan Khan, his dreams, passion, and profound impact on art and life continue to inspire. From his love for storytelling to his unfulfilled vision of nurturing talent in Jaipur, Irrfan’s legacy lives on through his family, his films, and the countless hearts he touched.