A worldwide well known actor has passed away this week. Irrfan Khan passed away yesterday after a long battle with a neuroendocrine tumor and later a colon infection. He was on the road to recovery before the infection, and shot his last film Angrezi Medium last year, which was delayed due to COVID-19.

He was first noticed by director Mira Nair at the India National School of Drama. Nair says about him as a young man- “I noticed his focus, his intensity, his very remarkable look – his hooded eyes. I clocked him.” She immediately cast him in her film Salaam Bombay, but his role was later cut down in the film’s final cut.

However, his career continued strongly with breakout roles in Indian films Maqbool and Haasil.  He became more globally recognized after starring in 2001’s The Warrior, and then nabbed roles in major films like Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Jurassic World. Over the course of his career he racked up almost 150 acting credits for film, TV, and short film, and even directed several episodes of television in India.

Khan was in Mumbai at the time of his death and was unable to be there for his mother, who passed away just a few days before in Jaipur. He attended her funeral by video streaming because of coronavirus travel limitations and his own health.

He was dedicated to Indian cinema and was known for being a kind and hardworking actor. He is survived by his wife Sutapa and two sons.

I met Irrfan Khan when he worked with @JacindaBarrett on The Namesake. One of the most pleasant, down to earth, and gentle beings in the few times I had with him. What a beautiful actor as well. Blessings to he and his family. #RIPIrrfanKhan https://t.co/R2CYNP6Sks

— Gabriel Macht (@GabrielMacht) April 29, 2020

I love this @tomhanks quote about #IrrfanKhan. I read it in an interview and never forgot it. It’s TOM HANKS. pic.twitter.com/NBSX4UFLA7

— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) April 29, 2020