Nation mourns Irrfan Khan's untimely demise

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, here on Wednesday, condoled the death of noted film actor Irrfan Khan, terming it a big loss to the world of cinema.

"Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Irrfan Khan. 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. Condolences to his family & admirers," the President tweeted.

Prime Minister also took to Twitter to express condolence over demise of the vasatile actor. "Irrfan Khan's demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Expressing condolence over the passing away of versatile actor Irrfan Khan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the nation has lost an exceptional actor and a kind soul.

The film industry on Wednesday took to social media to express sorrow as well as disbelief, and to express condolence to the bereaved family and to pray for his soul.

Irrfan Khan's "Piku" co-star Amitabh Bachchan referred to the 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."

Veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar 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 Kamala Haasan 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 Kareena Kapoor Khan shared on Instagram: "It was an absolute honour sir. Rest in peace."

Irrfan's "The Lunchbox" actress Nimrat Kaur 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 Shilpa Shetty Kundra exressed: "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!"

Kangana Ranaut had shared the screen with Irrfan Khan in movies like "Life In A Metro"and "Kock Out". 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."

Shraddha Kapoor, his co-star in the movie "Haider" (2014) expressed: "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."

Another co-star from "Haider" and "Life In A Metro" Kay Kay Menon 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) Sanjay Dutt 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 Ajay Devgn 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." (IANS)

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