Shoojit Sircar recalls his friendship with Irrfan Khan: "I miss him in every film I make now"

Shoojit Sircar's tribute to Irrfan Khan reveals the profound connection they shared, one that went far beyond their professional partnership.

Shoojit Sircar recently shared heartfelt memories of his deep bond with the late actor Irrfan Khan, reflecting on their relationship both professionally and personally. In an emotional conversation on a podcast, Sircar revealed how their friendship strengthened during Irrfan's battle with cancer.

He spoke about the actor's courage and the meaningful moments they shared during that challenging period and said, " “When Irrfan got diagnosed, I was able to relate to him in a very personal way,” Sircar said. “Having seen my own father go through a similar ordeal, I understood the pain and the inner battles he was facing. During his treatment, Irrfan and I became much closer; we would talk for hours on the phone. Sometimes, I wouldn’t even know what to say because he’d dive into deep topics—spirituality, life, magic, cinema… all kinds of things.”

He further said, "He added, “I think Irrfan was torn between different options—whether to go for chemo or consider alternate therapies. I sometimes wonder if I had advised him to try something else, maybe he would have lived a little longer. He was already in the final stages when he started his treatment. He was fighting hard, but I think there was always a part of him that wanted to explore other ways."

Shoojit Sircar reminisced about the quiet, reflective moments he shared with the late Irrfan Khan, particularly their time spent meditating together. “There were days when I would go over to his house and we’d do breathing exercises together. I’d say, 'Irrfan, today let’s meditate,' and he’d always say 'yes' with a smile. He was such a genuine person, a true friend, someone you rarely meet in this industry," he added.

Shoojit Sircar shared how much he misses Irrfan Khan, not only as a close friend but also as a creative partner. “A person like him, with such humanism, was rare. That’s why he was Irrfan. Even now, when I think of him, I see that spark in his eyes and that unforgettable smile. Sometimes, he'd call me at 4 AM just to chat—'Dada, let’s talk,' he’d say, and we’d talk about films, nonsense, everything. I miss him in every film I make now.”

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Shoojit Sircar's tribute to Irrfan Khan reveals the profound connection they shared, one that went far beyond their professional partnership. Sircar expressed how much he misses his dear friend, not just as a collaborator but as someone who had a significant personal impact on his life. Their bond, which was especially strengthened during Irrfan’s battle with cancer, continues to resonate in Sircar's work and personal life. Despite the immense void left by Irrfan’s passing, his influence remains, a testament to the lasting legacy of their friendship.

Sircar’s tribute to Irrfan highlighted the close connection they developed, beyond just being colleagues, underscoring their strong friendship that transcended the film industry. The director also mentioned how their bond was a source of support during some of the actor's toughest times.