Irrfan Khan, actor extraordinaire and India’s face in the West, dies at age 54. 

Acclaimed Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has passed away after a two-year battle with neuroendocrine tumour at a hospital in Mumbai, where he was admitted for colon infection. The news left his legion of fans shocked and distressed in India and abroad.

The 54-year-old actor had been battling cancer since 2018 and his official spokesperson had confirmed on Tuesday that he was under doctor’s observation. Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa and sons – Babil and Ayan. Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar penned a condolence note remembering the actor.

Best known for his performance in films like ‘Maqbool’ and ‘Piku’, the actor earned a National Award for his powerful act in sports drama ‘Paan Singh Tomar’. Irrfan was also globally recognised for his performance in films like 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Inferno' and 'Life of Pi'.

His family issued an official statement, “i trust, i have surrendered”; These were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heart felt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him.  We all pray and hope that he is at peace.