The inspirational story of Irfan Khan

Irfan Khan: A Journey of Inspiration

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Saahabzade Irfan Ali Khan in Jaipur in 1967. Irfan Khan hailed from humble beginnings, the son of a tyre seller. Despite initial aspirations in cricket, he redirected his path towards acting. He attended the National School of Drama after experiencing setbacks in his cricketing pursuits. His early foray into the film industry included a minor role in Mira Nair’s 1988 Salaam Bombay! He found consistent work primarily in television soap operas, facing frustration in his quest for success.

Breakthrough: The Warrior and Mainstream Success

Irfan Khan’s breakthrough came unexpectedly through British director Asif Kapadia’s feature debut, The Warrior, filmed in India. Released in 2002, the film garnered critical acclaim, winning the Bafta award for best British film. It marked a significant turning point in Khan’s career. Subsequently, he ventured into mainstream Indian cinema. He portrayed diverse roles ranging from cops to villains in films such as Maqbool, Life in a… Metro, Haasil, and Talvar.

Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim

While Khan found box office success with films like Lunchbox, he also earned critical acclaim for his performances in movies like Piku and Hindi Medium. In Piku, Khan navigated the complexities of a father-daughter relationship. In Hindi Medium, he portrayed a wealthy businessman striving to secure his daughter’s admission to a prestigious school in Delhi. His final film, Angrezi Medium, depicted a single father’s journey to facilitate his daughter’s education in London.