Last Update:09 November 2024 16:02 IST

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar recently shared emotional memories of his friendship with late Irrfan Khan, revealing the deep void he felt with every project since the actor’s demise.

Shoojit Sircar explains that he misses Irrfan Khan in every movie, reflects on their close bond and shares his heartfelt regrets about the treatment process.

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar recently spoke about the deep bond he shared with the late Irrfan Khan and expressed the heartfelt emptiness he now feels with every new project. Reflecting on their friendship, Sircar shared a poignant thought about alternative therapies and wondered if they had given Irrfan some more time beyond the years prescribed by the doctors.

Appearing on the podcast Unfiltered By Samdish, Shoojit talked about the connection that became stronger after Irrfan’s diagnosis. During his treatment, Irrfan was in frequent contact and the two would chat for hours, reflecting the strength of their bond.

His talks often touched on deep topics, from spirituality and magic to cinema and life. Shoojit sensed that Irrfan was struggling with difficult decisions about treatment options, questioning the path between chemotherapy and alternative treatments. He shared, “I think he was trying to figure out mujhe chemotherapy karna hai, what about should I go for an alternative therapy? You know, that’s all he was thinking about.”

Shoojit expressed a lasting sense of regret as he pondered whether exploring alternative treatments could have extended Irrfan’s life. Now he wonders whether he should encourage that approach, considering that the actor lived roughly as long as doctors predicted after starting chemotherapy. “And sometimes I realize now that shayad Irrfan ko main agar bolta ki goes to alternative treatment, not that I had anything to do with it, he went through chemotherapy and got normal medical treatment, maybe he would have been alive a little longer because chala toh gaya wo do saal mein, jitna time diya “What’s the doctor?” he said.

The Sardar Udham director also talked about Irrfan’s journey in the later stages of his illness. He described how Irrfan sometimes got into deep thoughts, thinking about alternative treatments. Shoojit spent time with her in these moments, offering guidance through meditation and breathing exercises, making gestures that reflected their quiet understanding.

Sircar admired the rare authenticity that Irrfan brings to his work and life and expressed how difficult it is to find such genuine people in the industry. He shared how much he missed Irrfan’s unique spirit and talked about how his friend’s presence brought a spark he rarely found elsewhere.

Recalling his fondest memories, Shoojit described the warmth in Irrfan’s smile and the sparkle in his eyes. He recalled surprise calls at 4 a.m., when Irrfan would eagerly announce his arrival for tea and jhal muri and insist, “Dad, let’s talk.” Shoojit revealed that Irrfan is actually all set to play the lead role in Sardar Udham. He will die due to his illness.

Expressing his deep longing for his friend, Shoojit shared: “Main toh bol raha hoon usko laa de wapas, usko lek aao. Irrfan should come back. Uske bina mushkil hai, stay alive karna. “I miss him now in every movie, every movie I do.”

Irrfan Khan’s death left a significant void in cinema. He left a legacy that continues to set standards in storytelling by delivering unforgettable performances in a career spanning over three decades. His unique talent and deeply resonant roles have cemented his status as an icon, embodying a level of success that many aspire to but few achieve.