Irrfan Khan, among India's finest actors, passes away

Irrfan Khan died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, April 29, losing his two-year battle with a rare form of cancer.

The legendary actor, who was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, lost his mother in Jaipur just four days ago.

Irrfan was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, north west Mumbai, with a colon infection two days ago.

The actor, who was last seen in Angrezi Medium, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2018.

Shoojit Sircar, who directed Irrfan in Piku, announced the news on Twitter: 'My dear friend, Irrfan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you. we shall meet again. Condolences to Sutapa and Babill. you too fought...Sutapa gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and om shanti. Irrfan Khan salute.'

An official statement from Irrfan's representative said:

'I trust, i have surrendered.' These were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer.

'And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen.

'It's saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away.

'Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him.

'After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it.

'Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own.

'We all pray and hope that he is at peace.

'And to resonate and part with his words he had said, "As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it".'

Irrfan was buried at the Versova kabrastan, in north west Mumbai, at 3 pm in the presence of his family, friends and close relatives.