Irrfan Khan: Indian Actor Biography
Full Name: Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan
Profession: Actor, Producer
Date of Birth: January 7, 1967
Date of Death: April 29, 2020 (aged 53)
Place of Birth: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Nationality: Indian
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Education:
Schooling: Jaipur, Rajasthan
College: National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi – Diploma in Dramatic Arts (1987)
Initially pursued an MA before receiving a scholarship to NSD
Family:
Father: Yaseen Ali Khan (Ran a tire business)
Mother: Begum Khan
Spouse: Sutapa Sikdar (Writer & NSD graduate)
Children: Two sons- Babul Khan (actor), Ayaan Khan
Career Highlights:
Early Career:
Started with television in the 1980s and 90s – Chandrakanta, Bharat Ek Khoj, Banegi Apni Baat, Chanakya
Breakthrough & Acclaimed Films:
The Warrior (2001) – International attention
Maqbool (2003) – Shakespearean drama
Haasil (2003)
The Namesake (2006)
Life in a...Metro (2007)
Paan Singh Tomar (2012) – National Award Winner
The Lunchbox (2013) – Critically acclaimed globally
Piku (2015)
Hindi Medium (2017)
Angrezi Medium (2020) - His last film
Hollywood Movies:
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Life of Pi (2012)
Jurassic World (2015)
Inferno (2016)
Acting Style:
Renowned for subtlety, emotional depth, and realism; avoided melodrama
Health and Death:
Diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumor in 2018
Passed away in Mumbai in 2020 due to complications from colon infection.
Net Worth (at the time of death):
₹300 crore INR
(Approx. $40 million USD)
Major Awards:
National Film Award –
Best Actor (Paan Singh Tomar, 2013)
Filmfare Awards-
Best Actor Critics (Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox)
Best Supporting Actor (Life in a...Metro)
Best Actor (Hindi Medium)
Padma Shri (2011) – India's fourth-highest civilian award
Asian Film Award –
Best Actor (The Lunchbox)
IIFA, Zee Cine, Screen Awards, Stardust, etc.
Summary:
Irrfan Khan was an actor of rare caliber who transcended boundaries between Bollywood and Hollywood with ease. He blended the art of performance with humanity and subtlety, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that is both emotionally rich and globally respected. Whether in offbeat indie films or global blockbusters, Irrfan always brought dignity, depth, and quiet power to the screen. His untimely death in 2020 was a huge loss to world cinema.
