India pays tribute as actor Irrfan Khan laid to rest

The versatile National Award-winning film actor Irrfan Khan passed away today morning. He breathed his last early today at the age of 53.

Khan was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection earlier this week. However, he succumbed to his ailment. The actor is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and two sons Babil and Ayan.

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"Irrfan was buried at the Versova kabrastan in Mumbai at 3 p.m. this afternoon soon after the news of his passing away was announced. In presence were his family, close relatives and friends. Everyone paid their final respects and mourned the loss of his passing away. We pray for his peace and we hope he's in a better place today. He was strong in his fight, and we all have to be strotoo in this loss," an official statement from his spokesperson said.

Film celebrities took to the social media to express their grief on Khan's untimely demise.

His Piku co-star Amitabh Bachchan referred to the late actor as a "gracious colleague." He tweeted: "Just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news .. An incredible talent .. a gracious colleague .. a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema .. left us too soon .. creating a huge vacuum .. Prayers and duas."

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Veteran singer <strong>Lata Mangeshkar</strong> tweeted: "Bahut guni abhineta Irrfan Khan ji ke nidhan ki khabar sunkar mujhe bahut dukh hua. Main unko vinamra shraddhanjali arpan karti hun." (I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of extremely talented actor Irrfan Khan ji. I pay my respect to him.)

Tamil cinema icon and politician <strong>Kamala Haasan</strong> shared how he was in awe of Irrfan's acting talent. The veteran actor-politician tweeted: "Too soon to leave @irrfank Ji. Your work always left me in awe. You're one of the finest actors I know, I wish you stayed longer. You deserved more time. Strength to the family at this time."

Irrfan Khan's last film Angrezi Medium co-star <strong>Kareena Kapoor Khan</strong> shared on Instagram: "It was an absolute honour sir. Rest in peace."

Another co-star from the same film, <strong>Pankaj Tripathi</strong> shared a post: "Kabhi Kabhi bhavnao ko bata paana sambhav nahi hota. Wahi ho raha hai Irrfan da." (At times it becomes impossible to express how you are feeling, that's exactly what is happening with me Irrfan da.)

Angrezi Medium director <strong>Homi Adajania</strong> shared on Instagram: "We laughed about you dying… in fact we often abused your ‘uninvited guests’ …. but I didn't think I'd feel so broken when I heard what I was expecting to hear for a while now. I am eternally grateful for walking a few steps of your journey with you. I am eternally grateful that I could call myself your friend. I am eternally grateful for memories stuffed with so much joy, so much laughter in such little time. You once told me how you had an inexplicable love for your craft, but didn't want the stardom anymore. Well, you never needed to be a star my friend, because you shone brighter than anything in the universe. RIP #Irrfan"

Irrfan's The Lunchbox actress <strong>Nimrat Kaur</strong> tweeted: "Words fail to describe my sense of shock and horror to learn about Irrfan Khan's passing away. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the family at this grave hour. India's lost one of her biggest icons today. Our world left for the poorer… #IrrfanKhan #Forever"

Irrfan's Life In A Metro co-star <strong>Shilpa Shetty Kundra</strong> said: "I'm numb today… I haven't been able to accept the loss of a brilliant co-actor & a fabulous person that @irrfank was! We've lost a gem today… but his legacy will live on through the phenomenal body of work that he has left behind. Rest in peace, Irrfan!"

<strong>Kangana Ranaut</strong> had shared the screen with Irrfan Khan in movies like Life In A Metro (2007) and Knock Out (2010). The actress' team shared on Twitter: "This day has come as a dark unsettling grim emotion. Irrfan Khan is a great self made artist, he rose from doing small character roles in TV soaps to working in academy award winning films as a lead artist, My heart is deeply disturbed at this loss "- #KanganaRanaut

#IrrfanKhan."

Life In A Metro director <strong>Anurag Basu</strong> tweeted: "#IrrfanKhan Indian cinema will not be the same again without you Dost! Wish i had one more chance to work with you again! Sutapadi ,You're the Bravest person I know. My heartfelt condolences to You Babli and Ayan."

<strong>Shraddha Kapoor</strong>, his co-star in the movie Haider (2014), said: "Very sad to hear about Irrfan sirs passing. 1 of our finest actors. A magician on the big screen; inspiring & igniting people's hearts! I was excited beyond words to get the precious opportunity to share screen space with him in Haider. Will always be his fan & cherish those moments. RIP Irrfan sir."

Veteran actor <strong>Dharmendra</strong> tweeted: "Occasional meetings with Irrfan were always affectionate. I used to pray for his health since I heard about his illness. Saddened to hear of his untimely death. My heartfelt condolences to the family. May god give them strength during this painful time. Irrfan tujhe jannat naseeb ho." (May you rest in heaven Irrfan).

Another co-star from Haider and Life In A Metro <strong>Kay Kay Menon</strong> posted a quote by Irrfan Khan on Instagram, which reads: "I want to entertain people but with some substance." Menon wrote below: "You did Brother! You did!! And so SPLENDIDLY!! RIP #irrfankhan

Shocked & grieved for words!!

Om Shanti!"

Irrfan's ‘"Knock Out (2010) and D-Day (2013) <strong>Sanjay Dutt</strong> shared that he has lost a "younger brother". The actor tweeted: "He was fighting this war since a long time and just when I thought he had won it, life gave us a big jolt. He never gave up, he fought with a smile on his face and hope in his heart till the very last breath. The warmest, kindest soul I knew, I have lost a younger brother today. I will cherish all the beautiful memories I have with him for the rest of time and beyond. Having experienced this loss in my life before, I can't even begin to imagine the pain that his family must be going through. I sincerely pray that God give them the strength to deal with this tough time. Gone too soon brother!"

Irrfan Khan's 2008 film Sunday co-star <strong>Ajay Devgn</strong> tweeted: "Heartbroken to hear about Irrfan's untimely demise. It's an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. Deepest condolences to his wife & sons. RIP Irrfan."

<strong>Sonam Kapoor</strong> revealed how her Thank You (2011) co-star Irrfan had encouraged her at a time when she was feeling low. The actress tweeted: "Rest in peace irrfan sir. You have no idea what your kindness and encouragement meant to me at my lowest. My condolences to your family and loved ones."

Not just Bollywood, but even politicians and sportspersons mourned the passing away of actor. "Sad to hear the news of #IrrfanKhan passing away. He was one of my favorites & I've watched almost all his films, the last one being Angrezi Medium. Acting came so effortlessly to him, he was just terrific. May his soul Rest In Peace. Condolences to his loved ones," tweeted cricket legend <strong>Sachin Tendulkar</strong>.

Indian cricket captain <strong>Virat Kohli</strong> tweeted: "Saddened to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. What a phenomenal talent and dearly touched everyone's heart with his versatility. May god give peace to his soul"

"Khan sahab, you were brilliant at what you did and that will always live on. Thank you for bringing your art to us the way you did. Strength to those grieving," said Indian football captain <strong>Sunil Chhetri</strong>.

"A great actor and a great talent. Heartfelt Condolences to his family and well – wishers #IrfanKhan," said former India batsman <strong>Virender Sehwag</strong>.

"Saddened to hear the passing away of #IrfanKhan. Condolences to the entire family. An actor of great caliber! You will be cherished by us until eternity. RIP," tweeted fast bowler <strong>Mohammed Shami</strong>.

(With agency inputs).