When Irrfan Khan questioned the need for surnames and religious identification in passports: "Religion is a very private matter..."

Irrfan Khan is regarded as one of Bollywood's most versatile and accomplished actors. The prolific performer also made a significant impact in Hollywood with his remarkable work. Even after his passing, his contributions continue to be celebrated. Irrfan had unique perspectives on life and religion, which he candidly discussed. Recently, an old interview clip from Aap Ki Adalat has resurfaced on social media, where he shares his beliefs about religion and explains the reasons behind shortening his name.

In the video journalist Rajat Sharma asked him, "Pehle aapka naam tha Sahabzaade Irrfan Ali Khan. usko kaatke chota kardiya ab Irrfan Khan. Aur ab bade hogaye toh ab aur chota kardiya Irrfan"(Earlier your name was Sahabzaade Irrfan Ali Khan. Then you shortened it to Irrfan Khan. Then when you grew up, you shortened it ever further to Irrfan).

To this, Irrfan smiled and replied, "Aur bada hojaunga toh Irrfan bhi kaat dunga."

He continued, "Takleef yahi hai ki aapko passport pe surname likhna zaroori hai. Teen department aise hain Jahan ki aapko yeh bolna zaroori hai ki aapka dharam kya hai. Mere hisab se dharam ek jo hai bohot private cheez hai. Woh aapke aur aapke bhagwan ke beech ka Rishta hai aur woh bohot private Rishta hai. Usko kisi form mein likhne ki zaroorat kyu padti hai? Mera yeh sawaal hai duniya se (The problem is that you have to write your surname in your passport. There are three departments where you have to mention your religion (According to me, religion is a very private matter. It is a close relationship and a private matter between you and your god. Why is it necessary to mention your religion in any form? This is my question to the entire world).