Tributes have been flooding in after it was announced that legendary Indian actor Irrfan Khan has died at the age of 53.
The star, who has been open about his battle with cancer after being diagnosed in 2018, died at a hospital in Mumbai. He was admitted early on Wednesday morning with a colon infection.
Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, a close friend of Khan, lead the way paying tribute to the late star.
“My dear friend Irrfan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you ... we shall meet again,” he said in a tweet, before sending his condolences to his wife and son, Sutapa Sikdar and Babil Khan.
Bollywood hero Amitabh Bachchan has tweeted of hearing the "most disturbing and sad news" of Khan's death. "An incredible talent ... a gracious colleague ... a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema ... left us too soon .. creating a huge vacuum," he wrote.
Actor and producer Riteish Deshmukh tweeted to say, “Our loss, heaven’s gain." Adding: "Thank you for all the magic you weaved on celluloid. Condolences to the family and loved ones.”
Actress Kajol wrote that she is "saddened to hear of the passing of Irrfan Khan." Adding: "My heart goes out to the family, may you find strength in this time. Rest in peace".
When They See Us star Ava DuVernay, said, "A grateful fan of #IrrfanKhan here. Gone too soon. When he is on screen, you can't take your eyes off of him. He lives on in his films."
British-Pakistani actor and musician Riz Ahmed said Khan was "an inspiration and a hero to me and millions of others. His work was consistently transcendent, he was a guiding light for so many of us."
President of India Ram Nath Kovind said he was "saddened" to hear of Khan's death.
"A rare talent and a brilliant actor, his diverse roles and remarkable performances will remain etched in our memories. A big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers," he wrote.
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan said he was "heartbroken to hear about Irrfan’s untimely demise." Sending condolences to his wife and sons on Twitter.
Director, producer, screenwriter Karan Johar thanked Khan for the "indelible movie memories" and "raising the bar as an artist" in a Twitter tribute.
Actor Sonu Sood kept his tribute short, saying, "Cinema will always miss you."
Indian Telugu cinema actor Mahesh Babu tweeted to say he was "deeply saddened by the news of #IrrfanKhan's untimely demise.
"A brilliant actor gone too soon. He will be truly missed ... My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."
Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt, said, “Shocked to hear of the demise of Irrfan Khan one of the most amazing actor of our time."
Adding: "May his work always be remembered and his soul rest in peace".
Actress Kiara Advani paid tribute to Khan, saying he had "inspired our generation world over with revolutionary performances."
Actress Disha Patani called Khan's death a "huge loss to the world" in her Twitter tribute.
Television presenter Tehseen Poonawalla, said, "Heartbroken to hear the tragic passing away of #IrrfanKhan".
Fellow actor Mahesh Babu said, "Deeply saddened by the news of #IrrfanKhan's untimely demise. A brilliant actor gone too soon. He will be truly missed ... My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP"
Indian singer Adnan Sami wrote that he is "choked with emotions and saddened beyond words" on Twitter. Adding: "Thank you for showing the world your genius."
"Shocked to hear the demise of Irrfan Khan," wrote Sidharth Shukla.
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Legendary Indian actor Irrfan Khan dies at the age of 53
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