Irrfan Khan Gone: Bollywood Voices Speak

Shabana Azmi:  “I am deeply saddened to learn about Irrfan Khan’s passing away. I last met him in London with his wife Sutapa and their son. He seemed in good spirits and I could tell that he was able to put up such a valiant fight against the illness because his two most precious people were by his side. This is  not unfair! He is gone too soon ..Irrfan will be missed by the entire Film Industry. It is doubly sad that we cannot be with his family in their grief because of the lockdown. My heartfelt condolences to the family .Didn’t really get to know him because  I  had two  very  brief scenes in Jazbaa and in Ek Docor Ki Maut   he was very new . But I remember noticing that he was good.”

Neena  Gupta:  “When his illness was first diagnosed  and he went to England for  his treatment  I felt very bad  for him. I  used to think , he struggled so much  as an actor. Then when he got everything—great  roles,  international  fame, money—and when  it was  time for him  to enjoy his success after years  of struggle, then he fell sick. I felt really bad about that.”

Hansal Mehta: “I am devastated. I will always share this date with him for the  rest of life.Every year on my birthday I will be reminded  of  his rude  sudden and unforgivable going.I had a sinking feeling last evening about Irrfan. We did not ever work together but shared a very warm camaraderie over the years. Shared many drunken nights with him talking about life and a lot of other shit.”

Neil  Nitin Mukesh :  “Honestly, I   am deeply saddened with his demise. Just the other day I was remembering moments spent with on the sets of Kabir Khan’s New York. A true gentleman and a great actor. He has been an inspiration to millions. I fondly remember the days of working with him. My first day of shoot was with him and I was so nervous and excited at the same time. He instantly broke the ice on set. We spent many days working together in New york and bonded like family for the months we were all together. Each day will be remembered each day will be a moment I will cherish.”

Swara  Bhaskar:  “It’s too tragic and sad for words. A moment of grief for the whole industry and the whole country. We’ve lost one of the finest actors this country will ever see. My deepest condolences to his family.I will always treasure his performances. My favourite being  Maqbool, Paan  Singh Tomar, Lunchbox, Dil  Kabaddi, Life In A Metro.”

Rajit Kapur:  “ A  soldier who  fough bravely  till the  end.”