For an actor whose outstanding performances were watched by appreciative audiences worldwide, tragically Irrfan’s last show on earth will be a sad and lonely affair attended by twenty people. That’s because the restrictions and regulations of the lockdown for Covid-19 have made it impossible for the actor to have what might have otherwise been a grand and fitting farewell. The funeral rites according to Islamic practice took place with nine from Irrfan's family and the others being friends and wellwishers.

And so the Versova Kabiristan near Yari Road gets ready to take Irrfan into its cold embrace this afternoon. Among the main mourners are media persons flouting the government passes that exempt them from the lockdown as being party of Emergency Services. Masks in place, cameras ready, they are waiting for the funeral cortege to arrive and make up the crowd that a funeral of this kind so desperately needs.

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However, almost like a dying wish, Irrfan who shunned publicity and the limelight is believed to have expressed the desire last night that the media be kept unaware of his death. He is reported to have told his family he wants to go in peace.

From windows and balconies of buildings on the route to the cemetery, curious people and fans of the actor will watch in heartbreaking silence. This area, opposite the Versova outlet of DMart, is otherwise buzzing with life. Today it is dead. Almost as if in mourning for Irrfan. After it is all over, indications are that his wife Sutapa Sikdar and sons Babil and Ayan might accept condolences outside the Kabiristan gates.

(Source: Manav Manglani)