Slumdog Millionaire Actor Irrfan Khan Dies At 53

Irrfan Khan, an acclaimed Indian-born actor who was known internationally for his roles in “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Life of Pi”, died of cancer Wednesday at the age of 53. He announced in 2018 he had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor.

The actor’s agency confirmed his passing in a statement, describing him as a “man of few words” and an “actor of silent expressions,” local publication Hindustan Times reported. “Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own,” the statement read.

Khan was rushed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, where he was under observation for colon infection.

Born Saahabzaade Irfan Ali Khan in Jaipur in 1966, he was best known for essaying the role of the police inspector in “Slumdog Millionaire.” He had landed roles in a string of Hollywood movies in his decade-spanning career, including “Jurassic World.” Khan's latest Bollywood venture was “Angrezi Medium,” whose release had been stalled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Khan, two months after making his cancer diagnosis public, wrote an open letter about his experience with the treatment, highlighting “intensity” of his pain and “uncertainty” of life, BBC reported.

Movie stars and politicians inundated the social media with tributes to the actor, with outpouring support from his fans around the world.

"An incredible talent... a gracious colleague... a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema... left us too soon... creating a huge vacuum," legendary actor Amitabh Bachhan, who acted with him in “Piku,” said in a tweet.

“My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you,” Indian filmmaker Shoojit Sircar said, while extending his solidarity to his wife and son.

Khan was a recipient of India’s National Film Award in the year 2013 for his role in “Paan Singh Tomar,” a biopic of an athlete-turned-bandit.