Acclaimed Hollywood and Bollywood actor Irrfan left for his heavenly abode on April 29, 2020, after a two-year-long battle with a neuroendocrine tumour. A year later, we are unable to cope up with the sudden passing away of the actor who was loved not just by Indians but internationally too. His incredible body of work is keeping him alive in our memories and will continue to do so. 

As we are remembering Irrfan on his 1st death anniversary, PeepingMoon.com got in touch with his co-star Nimrat Kaur. Irrfan had worked with her in Ritesh Batra's much-acclaimed film, The Lunchbox (2013). The film was screened at International Critics' Week at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Talking about Irrfan, Nimrat revealed that she was offered another film opposite him, but didn't sign it. She further shared some precious memories of him. Nimrat also shared that she met her co-star only twice during the filming of The Lunchbox. 

Excerpts from the interview: 

Which quality of Irrfan makes you miss him even today?

The brilliance he brought to every character; I’m speaking as a fan, audience and as someone who grew up watching his work. Everything and anything he touched and walked into, he brought a special flair and flamboyance to that part even if it was the most insignificant one. I miss the possibilities he brought as an actor to a script.  

You got your breakthrough film, The Lunchbox, opposite Irrfan. What impact did he leave on your life and career?

I think I can speak for many people here. You can’t quantify the impact he left on actors. You marvel at an Irrfan Khan piece of work and wonder how did he manage to do it. He turned every part into something extraordinary. That’s the impact he has left on me as an actor. I feel extremely fortunate that I was a part of his cinematic life and we did a film together that continues to be loved. Now, it becomes even more special to me for many many personal reasons. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Nimrat Kaur (@nimratofficial)

Buzz has it that you met Irrfan only twice during the filming of The Lunchbox?

Yes, that’s true.  

Irrfan never boasted about his success nor was bogged down by failure. Did you ever notice this in him while promoting the film together?

When I travelled with him promoting The Lunchbox, that’s the only time I got to know him. I learnt how easy he is and how lightly he took things. He was so easy about all the achievements he had with which he left an indelible mark internationally and domestically. He was so nonchalant about his success. Success was just a by-product of what his larger plan was. He as an actor was so committed to pushing the boundaries and making possibilities happen. He is what sets him apart and will always do. 

Will Bollywood ever fill up the void left behind by Irrfan?

I don’t think the world stage will be able to fill up the void left behind by Irrfan sir. I would take it to the global level and not just Indian actors.  

Babil Khan is making his acting debut. What do you have to say about him?

I don’t know and I have never watched his work. I literally know him as Irrfan sir’s son. I wish him all the very very very best. I’m sure he has his father’s blessings, love, adulation and so much support from the world. I would love to watch anything that he will be a part of.   

Your most precious memory with him...

I remember the time when we went to the 2013 Cannes Film Festival to premiere The Lunchbox. It was extremely special. From the red carpet to the first time the film had been screened, every moment we shared there, just to be written about in reviews, being talked about by people, it was such a big thing for me. That will be one of the most precious professional gifts God has given me.      

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Nimrat Kaur (@nimratofficial)

Were you supposed to reunite with him after The Lunchbox for any other film?

Yes! I won’t name it but I was offered a film with him. At that time, I chose not to do it thinking that I will obviously get many opportunities to work with him. I was waiting for that to happen.   

Do you think Bollywood did justice to Irrfan’s talent?

I know that he loved working in the Hindi film industry. The way Irrfan sir was, the amount of love he received from not just Indians but people internationally and his body of work he produced has a big role to play. If the answer to your question was no, then it wouldn’t have happened. I don’t think there is such a thing. I just wish that had done a million more movies that we could watch.

Parting words for Irrfan's fans…

I don’t have anything to say, I’m a fan myself and will always be. I feel very blessed that we are in an era where we have watched his work. I feel extremely grateful that I got to be a part of his body of work and in a very special film that will remain a special part of my professional life.