Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi actor Irrfan Khan dies of cancer

Irrfan Khan in 2018. Photo credit: Getty

World-famous Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has died from cancer aged 53.

Khan died on Wednesday after being admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital with a colon infection, according to a spokesperson for the actor.

"Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him," a statement released by the actor's team read.

In 2018 Khan revealed he had endocrine cancer - a cancer which affects cells that release hormones into the bloodstream. 

Khan made his screen debut in the Academy Award-nominated 1988 drama Salaam Bombay!, a tale of Mumbai city's street children.

After starring in British film The Warrior in 2001 Khan had his breakthrough and went on to star in dramas Haasil and Maqbool - an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. 

The 53-year-old had a long and illustrious career, and was so highly-respected director Wes Anderson once wrote a part for him just so they could work together, reports the BBC.

He featured in multiple critically-acclaimed films such as Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire, The Darjeeling Limited.

As of 2017, his films have grossed $3.643 billion at the worldwide box office.

He is survived by his wife, television writer and producer Sutapa Sikdar, and sons Babil and Ayan.

 

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