As Irrfan Khan Pens A Heartfelt Letter On Battling Cancer, I Revisit Two Of His Best Films!

Here’s looking at two of my favourite Irrfan Khan movies, wishing him well as we visit the heartfelt letter he has penned on his fight with cancer.

Irrfan Khan is one of the finest Indian actors. The many roles that he has played in a span of 30 years stand as a proof for his versatility. He can literally nail any role, be it a letter writer, solider, murderer, young man in love, athlete, dacoit, mafia or a quiet old man. His characters have always been realistic and offer a deeper insight into human beings. He is one of the few actors who has succeeded in both commercial and off-beat film.

He has also given fantastic performances in Hollywood movies, and has also been the recipient of many awards including the Padma Shri, Academy Award among numerous others.

The Lunchbox

Lunchbox is one of the unconventional movies that sends out a strong message. Irrfan Khan played the role of a middle-aged widower, who develops a strange relationship with a much younger married woman through letters.

What makes this performance exceptional is the portrayal of the struggles of an urban livelihood and loneliness through his brilliant acting even in scenes without dialogues. Irrfan Khan imbibes an authenticity to the character like no one else. The character is not glamorous but one that touches the heartstrings.

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Piku

Irrfan Khan who is renowned for his intense and serious roles acted as a happy go lucky owner of a taxi company in the movie Piku. This character holds the film together that gives reality checks to the other characters. He adds a unique sense of humor and charm as he romanced the female lead in the movie. This character is also one that respects and understands women. This movie brought out a different side of the actor altogether.

Irrfan Khan is currently battling neuroendocrine cancer and is undergoing treatment in the United Kingdom. He recently wrote an open letter opening up about his ailment and how he is coping with it. Though the actor is in a lot of pain and mental trauma, he is taking on the disease reassuring himself that the only thing certain in life is uncertainty.

Some of the lines in the letter really touch you and help you gain perspective over your own life, “I had been in a different game, I was travelling on a speedy train ride, had dreams, plans, aspirations, goals, was fully engaged in them. And suddenly someone taps on my shoulder and I turn to see. It’s the TC: “Your destination is about to come. Please get down.” I am confused: “No, no. My destination hasn’t come.” “No, this is it. This is how it is sometimes.”

I sincerely hope he gets well soon and we can see more of his prolific performances.

Header image is a still from the movie The Lunchbox

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