From Hindu mythological character Lord Krishna, to a proposal to portray the lead in the upcoming Hindi movie Udham Singh, filmmakers from Bengal had considered Irrfan Khan for a number of meaty roles which failed to materialize due to his sickness or other unforeseen developments.
Doffing their hats to the genius who passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday morning, the auteurs are now left ruing the missed chances to realize their dream of working with him.
Celebrated director Aparna Sen, who described Khan as an actor of rare talent in the world of films, said she had sent two proposals to him to play vital characters in her movies. "I wanted so much to work with him. We had held discussions twice. I wanted to cast him in the role of Krishna. But due to various reasons, the film did not materialize," said Sen, winner of 18 international and national film awards.
Sen said some time back she had also contacted him to play a part in a freshly conceived movie project. "But he sent a communication that he was in no position to do the film as he would have to undergo brain surgery," said a crestfallen Sen, known for churning out much-acclaimed movies like 36 Chowringhee Lane, Paroma, Sati, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer and The Japanese Wife.
Sen recalled the out-of-the-world silent reactions Khan gave in Lunch Box. "I am remembering his face, his acting in Maqbool, It's a huge loss".
Another venerated director Gautam Ghose lamented that he had offered to cast Khan in the main role in a movie based on a story by the late writer-painter Kamal Kumar Majumdar. "The film never took place, as the producer passed away. He was so happy after I chose him. But my dream to work with him remained unrealized," said Ghose, who described Khan as a "great actor" and a "sensitive person". Ghose said Khan had created a new acting genre which brought him laurels not only in India, but also internationally.
Shoojit Sircar, who had directed Khan in the 2015 Hindi comedy-drama Piku, initially roped in Khan for the title role in his upcoming biopic Udham Singh. But he had to opt for Vicky Kaushal due to Khan's indisposition.
On Wednesday, Sircar paid a glowing tribute to Khan. "My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute," he posted on Twitter.
My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute.
— Shoojit Sircar (@ShoojitSircar) April 29, 2020
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