• Actor Irrfan Khan at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Delores Johnson / The National
    Actor Irrfan Khan at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Delores Johnson / The National
  • Irrfan Khan at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2013. Sarah Dea / The National
    Irrfan Khan at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2013. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Irrfan Khan played billionaire investor Masrani in 2015's 'Jurassic World'.
    Irrfan Khan played billionaire investor Masrani in 2015's 'Jurassic World'.
  • Irrfan Khan in 2016 film 'Madaari'
    Irrfan Khan in 2016 film 'Madaari'
  • In 2013 drama 'Qissa'
    In 2013 drama 'Qissa'
  • At the 2013 Abu Dhabi Film Festival
    At the 2013 Abu Dhabi Film Festival
  • In the acclaimed 2013 film 'Lunchbox'
    In the acclaimed 2013 film 'Lunchbox'
  • Arriving at the 2008 Film Independent's Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, February 23, 2008, where he was up for best supporting actor for 'The Namesake'. Reuters
    Arriving at the 2008 Film Independent's Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, February 23, 2008, where he was up for best supporting actor for 'The Namesake'. Reuters
  • In the 2017 film 'Hindi Medium' with Saba Qamar
    In the 2017 film 'Hindi Medium' with Saba Qamar
  • British actor Sir Patrick Stewart and Indian actor Irrfan Khan pose during a photo call at the Dubai International Film Festival in Dubai in 2017. AFP
    British actor Sir Patrick Stewart and Indian actor Irrfan Khan pose during a photo call at the Dubai International Film Festival in Dubai in 2017. AFP
  • Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar in Hindi Medium. Courtesy T-Series and Maddock Films
    Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar in Hindi Medium. Courtesy T-Series and Maddock Films
  • Irrfan Khan, Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, and Anil Kapoor pose with their awards for Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture for 'Slumdog Millionaire' in the press room at the 15th Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2009. EPA
    Irrfan Khan, Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, and Anil Kapoor pose with their awards for Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture for 'Slumdog Millionaire' in the press room at the 15th Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2009. EPA
  • Dulqer Salman, Mithila Palkar and Irrfan Khan in South Indian 2018 road film 'Karwaan'
    Dulqer Salman, Mithila Palkar and Irrfan Khan in South Indian 2018 road film 'Karwaan'
  • Irrfan Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone in 2015's 'Piku'
    Irrfan Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone in 2015's 'Piku'

'He lives on in his films': tributes pour in for Indian actor Irrfan Khan, who has died aged 53


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

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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Match info

Bournemouth 1 (King 45 1')
Arsenal 2 (Lerma 30' og, Aubameyang 67')

Man of the Match: Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal)

Brief scores:

Everton 2

Walcott 21', Sigurdsson 51'

Tottenham 6

Son 27', 61', Alli 35', Kane 42', 74', Eriksen 48'​​​​​​​

Man of the Match: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
1971: The Year The Music Changed Everything

Director: Asif Kapadia

4/5

Results

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s

3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s

4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s

5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s

7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004

8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100

9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692

10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,

Panipat

Director Ashutosh Gowariker

Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman

Rating 3 /stars

Abramovich London

A Kensington Palace Gardens house with 15 bedrooms is valued at more than £150 million.

A three-storey penthouse at Chelsea Waterfront bought for £22 million.

Steel company Evraz drops more than 10 per cent in trading after UK officials said it was potentially supplying the Russian military.

Sale of Chelsea Football Club is now impossible.

DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW

Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2

Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC

Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The Written World: How Literature Shaped History
Martin Puchner
Granta

PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

yallacompare profile

Date of launch: 2014

Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer

Based: Media City, Dubai 

Sector: Financial services

Size: 120 employees

Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Ipaf in numbers

Established: 2008

Prize money:  $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.

Winning novels: 13

Shortlisted novels: 66

Longlisted novels: 111

Total number of novels submitted: 1,780

Novels translated internationally: 66

The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20S%20Frederick%20Starr%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Oxford%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20290%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3EFounder%3A%20Hani%20Abu%20Ghazaleh%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20with%20an%20office%20in%20Montreal%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%202018%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Virtual%20Reality%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%241.2%20million%2C%20and%20nearing%20close%20of%20%245%20million%20new%20funding%20round%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How the bonus system works

The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.

The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.

There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).

All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.

Key developments in maritime dispute

2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier. 

2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus

2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.

2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.

2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.