Irrfan Khan began his career in television during the 1980s before transitioning to films, making his Hindi debut in Salaam Bombay! (1988). Over the years, he became known for his nuanced acting style, portraying complex characters in films such as Maqbool (2003), Paan Singh Tomar (2012), and The Lunchbox (2013). His ability to blend subtlety with intensity earned him widespread recognition, including a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards.
Internationally, Irrfan Khan was equally respected, appearing in acclaimed films like The Warrior (2001), Life of Pi (2012), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), and Jurassic World (2015). His global presence made him one of the few Indian actors to achieve crossover success in Hollywood. In 2011, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, and in 2021, he was posthumously awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.