Natasha Kundi Irrfan Khan has passed away.
My very brief but very memorable encounter with Irrfan Khan was at the launch of Mughal e Azam Musical at the BAFTAs.
There were red carpet interviews before the actual event and in attendance were Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar and Irrfan Khan.
I remember interviewing Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi a day before and here I got another chance to ask them a few more questions. I also got to interview Farhan Akhtar.
With the corner of my eye, I saw Irrfan Khan enter the area. Tall and dressed in smart attire, he was approached by the amazing Fifi Haroon who interviewed him for BBC Urdu.
‘No selfies please’ said someone from the PR.
So I took some photos of Fifi interviewing him.
‘There must be many things that Saba Qamar learnt from you but what did you learn from her?’ I was to ask.
Yes, my questions were going to be around Saba Qamar because why not? Saba is a highly celebrated Pakistani actress who worked opposite Irrfan Khan in the film ‘Hindi Medium’.
My turn never came and till this day it’s going to be nothing but regrets. But I got to see him for a good few minutes and I shall cherish that for the rest of my life.
I always looked forward to an Irrfan Khan film. I knew it was going to be outstanding. He always chose poignant, thought provoking films.
It’s hard to choose one but Lunchbox will always be one of my most favourite films.
Irrfan’s Hollywood projects include The Mighty Heart (with Angelina Jolie & Adnan Siddiqui), Life of Pi and The Jurassic Park.
Irrfan Khan sadly fell victim to a rare form of cancer for which he was being treated here in London. He bravely fought the disease and won. He, unfortunately became immunocompromised and passed away because of an infection.
There was no one like him and there will never be another like him.
Rest in Peace Irrfan.
