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The actor was diagnosed with a rare illness in 2018
Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, known internationally for roles in Slumdog Millionaire and Jurassic World, has died at the age of 53.
Khan died in a hospital in the western city of Mumbai, his agency said.
In 2018, the actor posted on Twitter to say that he was diagnosed with an endocrine tumour, a rare illness affecting cells that release hormones into the bloodstream.
He later underwent treatment in a London hospital.
Two months after he went public with his diagnosis, he wrote an open letter about his experience with the cancer treatment, reflecting on the “intensity” of his pain and the “uncertainty” of life.
It drew a massive outpouring of support from his fans around the world.
The statement released by his PR company confirming his death said, “surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace”.
He had been admitted to hospital with a colon infection.
Bollywood stars and politicians have rushed to pay tribute to him on social media.
“An incredible talent… a gracious colleague… a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema… left us too soon… creating a huge vacuum,” superstar actor Amitabh Bachchan who worked with him in Piku tweeted.
Actor Raveena Tandon tweeted that he was a “fantastic co-star, an actor par excellence, and a beautiful human being”.
The top four trends on Twitter in India are all relating to his death, with many paying tribute to his talent.
Khan was known for his nuanced and understated performances, with many calling him one of India’s most talented actors.
In 2013, he won India’s National Film Award for his leading role in Paan Singh Tomar, a biopic about a top athlete who becomes a bandit.
He also acted in several Bollywood hits, including Lunchbox, Piku, and Hindi Medium. His latest, Angrezi Medium, was released just last month.