‘A huge loss to the world of cinema and theatre,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders offer their tribute to Irrfan

By Vandana Srivastawa

on April 29, 2020

Acclaimed Bollywood actor Irrfan passed away in the wee hours of today morning. He was 53 years old and was admitted to hospital for a colon infection. In 2018 he was diagnosed with a rare kind of neuroendocrine tumour for which he underwent extensive treatment in London. However, to no avail and the actor left all of us with a void that will be difficult to fill.

His demise came as a shock for the industry as well as his fans around the world. Tributes poured in from every sector. President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted on the actor's demise and paid his condolences to the family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shatrughan Sinha, Chandrababu Naidu, Omar Abdullah and several others leaders paid their tributes to the actor. France’s ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain also tweeted his condolence. Check out their heartfelt reactions below.

Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Irrfan Khan. A rare talent and a brilliant actor, his diverse roles and remarkable performances will remain etched in our memories. A big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers. Condolences to his family & admirers.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 29, 2020

Irrfan Khan’s demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2020

Deeply saddened at untimely demise of actor par excellence #IrrfanKhan
A beloved international face of Indian cinema, the acclaimed actor stood out in every role he essayed, incl. the memorable ‘Lunchbox’, the first official co-production between India and France shown at Cannes pic.twitter.com/fy5dw0MJGe

— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) April 29, 2020

Heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of a self made, brilliant, versatile actor par excellence our own #IrrfanKhan. He was certainly one of the best in our film industry. A thorough gentleman & fine human being @irrfank. A man of few words, but a volcano of talent.

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) April 29, 2020

Saddened to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. The Indian film industry has lost a much accomplished artist, who was also a warm, affectionate and humble person. He will be missed by all!#IrrfanKhan #RIPIrfan pic.twitter.com/QrfhJxSYBR

— N Chandrababu Naidu #StayHomeSaveLives (@ncbn) April 29, 2020

Saddened to hear about the demise of #IrrfanKhan.

One of India’s most versatile actors and a true gem of a person, my thoughts are with his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 29, 2020

No stereotypical looks, no six-pack, no fancy dance steps, no dynastic claim to a place in Bollywood. It was just talent & a breathtaking screen presence. #IrrfanKhan your courage to speak up when others chose silence was your biggest asset & will be missed the most. God speed.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 29, 2020