Irrfan Khan has died

Irrfan Khan has died aged 53.

He had been admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben hospital on Tuesday with a colon infection and on Wednesday morning a statement was released confirming his death.

Described as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, Khan’s career spanned over 30 years and earned him numerous accolades, including a National Film Award, an Asian Film Award, and four Filmfare Awards. In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

Khan was born in Rajasthan. He later moved to Mumbai, where he acted in numerous television shows – Chanakya, Bharat Ek Khoj, Sara Jahan Hamara, Banegi Apni Baat, Chandrakanta, Shrikant, AnooGoonj on Doordarshan, Star Bestsellers (Star Plus), and Sparsh.

He made his film debut with a small role in Salaam Bombay! (1988). Yet it was only after starring in the British film The Warrior (2001), he had his breakthrough with starring roles in the dramas Haasil (2003) and Maqbool (2004). His first Bollywood lead role came in 2005 with film Rog. He went on to star in many more films such as The Namesake (2006), Life in a… Metro (2007), Paan Singh Tomar (2011), The Lunchbox (2013), Piku (2015), Talvar (2015), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Life of Pi (2012), Jurassic World (2015), and Inferno (2016).

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said that Khan’s passing was “a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”

Khan is survived by his wife, Sutapa Sikdar, and sons Babil and Ayan.