New Delhi: When it comes to versatility in acting, the legend Irrfan Khan’s name tops the list. The actor has not only won the hearts of millions by his acting in Bollywood movies but also by performing tremendously in Hollywood films. While the world commemorates Irrfan Khan’s 56th birth anniversary today, January 7, let’s come along and remember the treasure of cinema and theatre through some of his best films.
1) Paan Singh Tomar
“Beehad me baghi hote hain, Dacait milte hain parliament mein..”
One can surely notice how Irrfan Khan’s had a huge transformation physically as well as by his character to deeply fit into the role. The film was about a biography of a dacoit who once represented India in the Asian Games. In the movie, Irrfan played a role of an athlete who resorts to violence to exact revenge on the corrupt political system, and its frameworks astonished everyone. For this, he was also nominated a National Film Award. Tigmanshu Dhulia directed the film, which also won Best Feature Film at the 60th National Film Awards in 2012.
2. Angrezi Medium
“Aadmi ka sapna toot jaata hai na…….Toh aadmi khatam ho jaata hai”
“Angrezi Medium” is the last and recent in which Irrfan Khan was seen acting. The movie was released and streamed in an OTT platform – Disney Plus Hotstar. Everyone adored the touching story of a father, the role Irrfan Khan and his daughter. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, and Deepak Dobriyal can also be seen in the movie. “Angrezi Medium” was the sequel to the movie “Hindi Medium” with the same motive.
3. Hindi Medium
“Banda Agar Achcha Insaan Nahe Hai Na… Na To Wo Achcha Husband Ho Sakta Hai, Na Achcha Baap Ho Sakta Hai”
Irrfan Khan played the role of a father in the movie “Hindi Medium”. The movie is another eye-delight to watch the story of Raj and Mita, a couple from Chandni Chowk who want their daughter to join a renowned English medium school. The role of the actor as a father touched the hearts of the audience, and Irrfan was praised once again for his portrayal of a devoted Indian father who will go to any length for his children. Angrezi Medium has released shortly after.
4. Maqbool
“Ya toh Goli Maar Ya Gale ake Mil”
Maqbool, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, was an Indian alteration of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, starring Irrfan as Miyan Maqbool. Irrfan delivered an award-winning appearance as a man ingested by greed and, later by conscience. Aside from Irrfan Khan, the film also starred Tabu, Pankaj Kapoor, Om Puri, and Naseeruddin Shah.
5. Life of Pi
“I suppose, in the end, the whole life becomes an act of letting go.”
Life of Pi catapulted Irrfan to international acclaim. Aside from the incredible narrative coherence and visual mastery, Life Of Pi is recognised for one more thing: Irrfan Khan. His representation of Piscine Patel is fantastic. It was an impossible role to play, but Irrfan Khan pulled it off.
6. Lunchbox
“Life is very busy these days. There are too many people, and everyone wants what the other has.”
The movie “Lunchbox” depicts a botched delivery by Mumbai’s efficient dabbawalas. This blunder links a young housewife to an older man nearing the end of his life. The film portrays how their love grows through neatly packed lunch boxes and notes they transfer to each other. The distinctive storyline and superb performances by Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur in the lead roles captivated the audience. The Ritesh Batra film won the Grand Rail d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for a BAFTA.
7. Piku
Tapak gaya toh Banaras se acchi koi jagah nahi hai.
Piku is one of the most memorable films of Irrfan Khan. Irrfan played Rana Chaudhary, an agitated yet resilient businessman who provides relief and soundness in the subject’s life. His role isn’t as detailed as Deepika’s, but you end up missing Irrfan Khan as soon as he leaves the film. Simply put, the chemistry between Irrfan Khan and Amitabh Bachchan makes ‘Piku’ a must-see film.
Irrfan Khan, the iconic actor who appeared in hit Hollywood films such as Jurassic World and died in 2019 from neuroendocrine cancer, will always be remembered for his contributions. The actor posted on Twitter in March 2018 stating that he had been confronted with cancer, and he died after a two-year struggle.
