What a loss - tributes pour in after versatile actor Irrfan Khan passes away

Acclaimed Indian actor Irrfan Khan, whose international movie career included hits such as Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi and The Amazing Spider-Man, has died aged 53, his publicist said on Wednesday.

The Bollywood star, who was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, was admitted to a Mumbai hospital earlier this week with a colon infection.

Khan was among the first Indian actors to make a consistent mark in western cinema, following earlier crossover pioneers like Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth and Om Puri.

Also Read: Actor Irrfan Khan dies in Mumbai hospital

The shocking news of the actor’s demise was first shared by director Shoojit Sircar on social media.

Renowned Bollywood actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Shabana Azmi, R Madhavan, Sonam Kapoor, Shoojit Sircar, Mini Mathur, Neelesh Misra, cricketer Hemang Badani, Bhumi Pednekar, Parineeti Chopra, Sanjay Suri, Akshay Kumar, Kajol and many others took to social media to express their condolences.

Also Read: Remembering Irrfan Khan: The inspiring journey of an actor par excellence

Bollywood veteran star Amitabh Bachchan posted on Twitter: “Just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is most disturbing and sad news.. An incredible talent .. a gracious colleague .. a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema .. left us too soon .. creating a huge vacuum .. Prayers and duas [sic].”

Director Shoojit Sircar tweeted, "My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute."

Actor Parineeti Chopra tweeted, "“Irrfan sir, you were the nicest, coolest guy. Every interaction with you was so memorable. The world has lost the most talented actor, the nicest human being and a real fighter!! All my love and strength to the family Blue heart #RIP #IrrfanKhan.”

Actor Anupam Kher also shared a tweet. "Nothing can be more heartbreaking and tragic than the news of passing away of a dear friend, one of the finest actors and a wonderful human being #IrrfanKhan. Saddest day!! May his soul rest in peace."

Actress Shabana Azmi, in a tweet, said, "Deeply saddened to learn that #Irffan Khan passed away this morning. Gone too soon .. such a powerful actor and how valiantly he fought back cancer. Its a big loss not only to his family but to the entire film industry. RIP [sic]."

Raveena Tandon too was shocked by his demise.

(With inputs from Reuters)