Recently, Bollywood as well as the world lost one of the most well-known and beloved actors of this generation. On Wednesday, actor Irrfan Khan passed away and numerous celebrities and public figures came together to mourn. Recognized for his incredible acting prowess, not just in Bollywood but across the globe as well, Irrfan Khan breathed his last at the age of 53.
With his passing, people are coming forward to reveal their fondest memories of the actor as well as some interesting behind-the-scenes stories. For instance, how the Bollywood star turned down several Hollywood offers because he wanted to focus more on Indian cinema.
Although, the actor made a name for himself in Hollywood with performances in blockbusters like Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire and Jurassic World, Irrfan never thought about leaving behind Bollywood. In one of his earlier interviews with Hindustan Times, he had stated:
“I keep getting interesting offers. If I were younger, I might have thought of relocating to Hollywood. But I never really felt like leaving India. My people are here and so are my stories. Today, small and unconventional films are redefining cinema in India. And I am happy to be part of this brave, new world. Hollywood is just a bonus.”
The publication also claims that the late actor had rejected roles alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Christopher Nolan, Matthew McConaughey and Ridley Scott. Khan even said no to Hollywood’s acclaimed director Steven Spielberg just recently, where he was supposed to share screens with Scarlett Johansson.
“I didn’t feel the character offered to me gave me much scope. So I said ‘No’; though Scarlett Johansson is an actor I would have loved to share screen space with,” he told reporter.
ALSO READ
Legendary Actor Irfan Khan Passes Away
He had also given up a role on the widely-acclaimed film Interstellar which ended up garnering $650 million worldwide!
“They expected a huge commitment from my end. I had to stay in the US for four months at a stretch. I tried to work out my schedule and suggested if I could shuttle between India and the US as it wouldn’t have been possible for me to be there for that long. I wanted to be here for The Lunchbox and D-Day. They couldn’t allow that. I don’t have a tendency to regret what I do, but knowing it’s a Christopher Nolan film, I can say that this has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made.”
He also turned down roles offered by Ridley Scott, twice!
“I was hoping to do The Martian and Piku but the schedule did not permit. I hope to work with Ridley Scott again. It was a second miss as I was earlier supposed to work with him in Body of Lies but that also did not work out.”
It was truly tragic to lose Irrfan Khan this soon. The actor was battling cancer and on Wednesday, it was announced that the Bollywood star had passed away. He may be gone, but he will definitely will not be forgotten in the industry.
ALSO READ
Legendary Actor Rishi Kapoor Passes Away
