‘Life of Pie’ Star- Gone Too Soon
Why millions mourn Irrfan Khan; the Master Actor Balancing Bollywood & Hollywood With Aplomb.
I feel a loss. Everyone who watches Hindi films does. Irrfan Khan, just 53, is no more. The truly versatile acting giant who was the heart of many critically acclaimed films, both in Bollywood & Hollywood; Maqbool, Haider, Paan Singh Tomar, NameSake; Life of Pie, being just a few, lost to Cancer.
He was among the handful of actors from India, who could effortlessly stand their own, next to any Hollywood face, on the screen. When I say this, I, don’t even remotely mean to suggest that India has lesser actors. But, just that true actors there are not usually the ones taking up what matters- the most space on celluloid; the unbelievable zeroes at the end of their paycheck figures; & millions of worshippers, India style.
The Indian film industry is not only the biggest in the world but it’s also the only one perhaps, that creates a perceptible distinction between the ‘star’ & the ‘actor’; & gets away with justifying it.
Aren’t the two synonymous? More importantly, IF not, why does the former even exist?
Someone who has never truly experienced India might find this puzzling. But, follow mainstream Indian cinema, persistently, & one will know what I mean.
India is used to hierarchical power structures. And, in the nepotism ruled film industry, if there’s anything above even privileged access to hierarchies, it is one’s supposed charisma on screen! It even forgives mediocre talent. Once established, the stars’ real personalities commonly keep spilling through their screen characters; & their craft, with exceptions, lacks the maturity of enabling them to fully merge with who they portray.
That’s why Irrfan, with lesser stardom, but genuine mastery over his craft, could not only foray into Hollywood but, stay. Bigger names tried, & failed. The outstanding perfection of his art shone, & transcended nationalities. He struck an easy balance between the demands of his Bollywood roots, & the West; & ended up being almost universally liked.
As I grow, typical mainstream Bollywood fare beckons me less & less. Most Indian movies I watch are influenced by actors; especially ones I’ve come to trust. They delightfully & intelligently engage me, in the frames allotted to them; with full justice to my time.
For this, Irrfan Khan shall be irreplaceable.
I shall miss his ability to convey complex human nuances with a single look, or a one-liner; a refreshing change from the often exaggerated or oversimplified portrayals Bollywood gets away with.
Yes, Cinema, is an escape. But I, & millions shall miss his ability to provide it with such realism, subtle finesse, & convincing authenticity; without dumbing down his art or his audience.
Millions shall miss the understated charm; impish smile, & shy humility of one who wanted to play cricket but ended up acting. As he mouthed in the movie ‘The Lunch Box’, “Sometimes the wrong train takes us to the right destination.”
He left too early. But, maybe his Earth role was limited to our old world, that’s now transforming; to uplift Indian cinema’s expectations of itself, simply by him being his performances, & set the ball rolling…
