Irrfan Khan also known as Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan is one of the most versatile actors of Indian film industry who has garnered immense appreciations both critically and commercially. His works mainly encompass Bollywood, however he has also ventured in Hollywood and South Indian film industry. His talent and contribution in the celluloid industry has fetched him a number of prestigious accolades including Padma Shri Award which is the fourth highest civilian award in India. He has appeared in a variety of roles over the years; however he shot to limelight with his movies Maqbool, Paan Singh Tomar, Haasil and Rog.Early Life of Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan was born on 30 November 1962 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Born in a Muslim Nawab family, his initial name was Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan. His father, late Jagirdar, was from the Khajuriya village near the Tonk district and ran a tyre business and his mother Sayeeda Begum, was from the Tonk Hakim family. The ace actor had received a scholarship to study at National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1984. Irrfan Khan was a skilled cricketer and was selected for CK Nayudu Tournament, a stepping stone to First-Class cricket for under 23 players. However, he did not turn up for the tournament owing to lack of funds. In 1984, Irrfan Khan was doing his Master of Arts degree when he got a scholarship to study at National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. When Irrfan Khan arrived in Bombay, he worked as an air conditioner repairman and one of the houses he visited to repair an air conditioner was the house of superstar Rajesh Khanna.
Television Career of Irrfan Khan
After coming to Mumbai, Irrfan initially worked in serials like Chanakya, Bharat Ek Khoj, Sara Jahan Hamara, Banegi Apni Baat, Chandrakanta (Doordarshan), Star Bestsellers (Star Plus), and Sparsh. He was cast in the role of a villain in the series Darr and Kahkashan which was about famous revolutionary Urdu poets and Marxist political activists of India. Irrfan has acted in Govind Nihalani's serial, Jazeere, Pitah and Dhristi of Shyam Benegal. He even hosted a show Mano Ya Na Mano, a reality show based on people's belief.
Film Career of Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan was active in theatres and television till he got his first role in the Meera Nair's Salaam Bombay. He next starred in Tapan Sinha's Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1991) with Shabana Azmi for which he won the National Film Award. He worked in a lead role in director Asif Kapadia's movie The Warrior (2001) the movie won the Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film at the BAFTA Awards. Subsequently he worked in many other commercial flicks like Chehera, Aan, Footpath, Supari, Dhund, Kasoor, Ghath, and Vaade Iraade. He acted in Vishal Bharadwaj's Maqbool (2004) which was an adaptation of Macbeth. He played the role of Macbeth in the movie. In 2007 Irrfan starred in the movie The Mighty Heart with Angelina Jolie. The movie was based on a book by Marianne Pearl about the slaying of her journalist husband Daniel Pearl.
Irrfan has been critically acclaimed for his commendable performances in Anurag Basu's Life in a Metro, Mira Nair's Namesake opposite Tabu, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra's Delhi 6 and Billu with Shahrukh Khan. He also starred in the Danny Boyle's Oscar winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. He was seen in the movie 7 Khoon Maaf with Priyanka Chopra, Acid Factory and New York. Paan Singh Tomar is considered as a milestone in the actor's career. His portrayal of the real life Rajput runner earned him immense praises by the critics. He was also a part of the movie The Lunchbox alongside Nimrat Kaur in which he once again managed to acquire huge appreciations from critics. The film also won an award at the Cannes International Film Festival.
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