Irrfan Khan Birth Anniversary: Babil Khan’s Candid Moments With His Father

Irrfan Khan, an actor par excellence, left a mark in the world of cinema. The actor, who passed away in April 2020, would have celebrated his 57th birthday today. Irrfan made his film debut with a small role in Salaam Bombay. He later appeared in films like Such A Long Journey and Ek Doctor Ki Maut, earning critical acclaim but not the widespread recognition he deserved.

However, this was just the beginning of an extraordinary career that would see him captivate audiences with his nuanced performances. Irrfan Khan’s breakthrough came in 2005 with Rog, marking his first lead role in Bollywood. From there, he went on to deliver stellar performances in over 70 movies.

One of the most poignant aspects of Irrfan Khan’s legacy is the way he continues to be remembered by those closest to him, particularly his son, Babil Khan. In several interviews and public appearances, Babil has shared heartfelt anecdotes about his father, shedding light on the personal side of the legendary actor.

Babil Khan’s Moments With Father Irrfan Khan

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In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Babil reflected on his relationship with his father, expressing the void left by Irrfan’s untimely departure. He remarked, “He left before he could see me grow. He left before I could make him proud, you know. I wish he was there to see where I have come as a human being, not professionally, just as a human being.”

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Babil also opened up about the profound impact of his father’s laughter in an interview with Indian Express. He revealed, “A laughter that I have not experienced ever since he passed away. I used to laugh my heart out, I don’t laugh like that anymore. That’s such a strange thing. When you lose somebody you laugh with, you don’t ever laugh the same.”

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As Babil embarked on his journey in the film industry, he carried with him the invaluable guidance and spirit of his father. When talking about his debut film, Qala, Babil shared, “Baba would have been happy. I can imagine the laughter we would have shared after watching it and, also, being cuddly. We were very huggy-buggy types. Then, he would have said now, let’s get back to work.”

In an insightful conversation with GQ India magazine, Babil delved into the depths of his father’s persona, unveiling unknown facets of Irrfan Khan’s life. From their close bond to the irreplaceable legacy, Babil provided a glimpse into the man behind the actor.

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The emotional connection between father and son took centre stage when Babil Khan won the Best Debut Actor (Male) award for his performance in Qala at the IIFA 2023. In an interview with News18, he shared, “I hope my dad is proud of me. I’m working really hard for that. I wish he was there to see me.”

When discussing Khan’s most unforgettable performances, notable titles including Maqbool, The Namesake, Piku, Life In A … Metro, Haider, Karwaan, Slumdog Millionaire, Talvar, and The Lunchbox, among others, undoubtedly take centre stage. His influence went beyond borders with contributions to international hits like Inferno, The Life Of Pi and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Notable Characters Portrayed by Irrfan Khan

1. HaiderIrrfan Khan’s portrayal introduces us to Roohdar’s mysterious world where shades of morality blur, making it impossible to decipher if he is inherently good or bad.
2. The LunchboxIrrfan Khan steps into the shoes of Saajan, a solitary widower whose predictable routine is unexpectedly disrupted when a lunchbox arrives at his accounting job. Here Saajan is a quietly heartbroken man who, through the serendipity of a lunchbox exchange, discovers the possibility of a second chance at happiness.
3. Paan Singh TomarIn the 2012 biopic chronicling the life of Paan Singh Tomar, Irrfan Khan’s character takes a sombre turn, engaging in activities such as extortion, kidnapping and murder. The tragic end sees Tomar meeting his demise.
4. Hindi MediumIt’s almost inconceivable that this is the same man who seamlessly transitions to play Raj Batra in Hindi Medium. The film is a humorous comedy-drama that satirizes the intricate and often peculiar demands of the Indian education system. Despite mixed critical reception, with the movie ultimately becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films, critics unanimously praised Khan’s performance.
5. MaqboolIrrfan Khan starred in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Bollywood adaptation of Macbeth, playing an underworld don’s henchman who falls for his boss’s mistress. The film marked a shift for Irrfan from art-house to mainstream cinema, solidifying his prominence in the industry.