In the sprawling world of Indian cinema, few actors have left an indelible mark as profound as the late Irrfan Khan. Revered not just for his unparalleled talent but also for his humility and accessibility, Irrfan was a rare gem in the film industry. Director Manish Harishankar, who had the privilege of working closely with him, recently shared his fond memories of the actor, shedding light on the unique methods and gentle persona that defined Irrfan’s legacy.
A Unique Approach to Script Narrations
Manish Harishankar vividly recalled the ease with which Irrfan made himself available, even during the peak of his career. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who might distance themselves after achieving stardom, Irrfan remained remarkably approachable. “Irrfan Khan was an actor who was very much accessible to everyone even when he was enjoying his peak time as an actor,” Harishankar reminisced. This accessibility was not just a professional courtesy but a testament to Irrfan’s grounded nature.
When it came to script narrations, Irrfan had a distinctive style that set him apart from other actors. Harishankar explained how, upon meeting for a narration, Irrfan would often steer the conversation toward unrelated topics. “He would always start some other topic of discussion. Maybe this was his way to make the person opposite him feel at ease,” Harishankar mused. It was a subtle yet effective way for Irrfan to create a comfortable environment, breaking the ice before diving into the heart of the script. Once the script discussion began, Irrfan’s focus was razor-sharp. He had a simple yet profound approach to evaluating a story: “Kya hai iska knot, Mudda Bata’ (What is the knot, tell me the issue),” he would ask. For Irrfan, the essence of a script lay in its core conflict or ‘knot.’ If the soul of the story resonated with him, he believed that everything else would naturally fall into place. “Your narration will end in three minutes as he believes if the soul is there, then the entire script will fall in place rightly, but if there is a problem in the knot or conflict, then it is very difficult to arrive at a good screenplay,” Harishankar explained.
This clarity of thought and understanding of narrative structure allowed Irrfan to quickly grasp the potential of a script. Once intrigued, he would immerse himself in the writing process, collaborating closely with writers to refine and enhance the screenplay.
A Project That Could Have Been
Harishankar shared a poignant memory of a script that Irrfan had approved and was excited to work on. Unfortunately, destiny had other plans. “He had approved one of my scripts that we were supposed to do, but unexpectedly God had another screenplay,” Harishankar said, his voice tinged with regret over the lost opportunity. The project remains a bittersweet reminder of what could have been—a film that might have further showcased Irrfan’s extraordinary talent.
A Neighbour
Beyond their professional interactions, Harishankar and Irrfan shared a neighborly bond. “He used to stay in Madh Island, later he shifted to Oshiwara just opposite my building,” Harishankar recalled. They often crossed paths, in cars, exchanging friendly waves—a simple yet meaningful connection that added a personal dimension to their relationship.
Despite his immense success, Irrfan was a man who lived with an enviable sense of calm and light-heartedness. “He was a very relaxed person and used to take things very lightly, though he was always looking for good scripts and roles,” Harishankar noted. This balance of seriousness in his craft and simplicity in life is what made Irrfan truly unique.
A Lesson for the New Generation
In reflecting on his experiences with Irrfan, Harishankar offered a valuable lesson for today’s actors. He observed that many young stars, after tasting success, tend to distance themselves from writers and directors, relying heavily on their management teams. In contrast, Irrfan’s willingness to engage with writers, to listen and learn from them, was a key factor in his continued success. “The actors should learn to invite them and listen to as many scripts as they can. This way, firstly, they can get a good script from them, and secondly, listening to writers is always a learning process,” Harishankar advised.
A Legacy of Simplicity and Humility
For those who knew him, Irrfan Khan was not just an exceptional actor but also a remarkably simple and humble human being. His ability to remain grounded, even as he scaled the heights of global fame, is a rare quality in an industry often characterized by ego and vanity. “Everyone misses him, Irrfan bhai, whoever knew him, as the simplicity in him is rare to find,” Harishankar concluded, capturing the essence of the man who touched so many lives with his talent, kindness, and humility.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the lessons left behind by Irrfan Khan remain as relevant as ever. His approach to storytelling, his respect for the craft, and his down-to-earth nature serve as a guiding light for both established and aspiring actors. While the world lost a great artist too soon, the memories and wisdom shared by those who knew him ensure that Irrfan Khan’s legacy will endure for generations to come.