As a dedicated follower and admirer of Irrfan Khan’s craft, I find myself deeply moved by Manu Rishi’s heartfelt account of their shared journey. It’s not every day that an artist gets to pay tribute to another in such a profoundly personal way. The story of Manu visiting the Hindi Medium set just to embrace his friend speaks volumes about the bond they shared, and it reminds me of a classic Bollywood trope – “Pyaar se kabhi bhaabhi nahin hota.” (Love never waits for an appointment).
Manu Rishi, who starred alongside the late Irrfan Khan in Angrezi Medium, recently got emotional when he spoke about the experience of attending Irrfan’s funeral. He had nearly missed it but was grateful that he was able to make it. Moreover, he revealed that Irrfan had once suggested him to a well-known director and later praised him for having the courage to visit that director at home. While sharing memories of the burial, Manu said, “I placed sandalwood on Irrfan before helping to bury him.” Additionally, he recalled visiting the set of Hindi Medium just to embrace Irrfan, commenting, “I came to understand that this man was gradually disappearing from our lives, and I wanted to gather as many moments with him as possible.”
In an interview for Red Mike’s YouTube channel, Manu Rishi spoke about the intense sorrow he felt as he remembered Irrfan Khan and the moving experience of personally burying him. He shared how he almost didn’t have the opportunity to say a heartfelt goodbye but managed to do so in a deeply personal manner. Due to Covid restrictions, people were not allowed into the burial ground, but Manu was fortunate enough to be granted access. Upon entering, he tenderly added sandalwood and then laid Irrfan to rest with his own hands, an experience that left him profoundly emotional.
Apart from what he’d already shared, Manu also recalled heartfelt moments spent with Irrfan Khan. He looked back to the inception of Hindi Medium, when he expressed his curiosity about why he hadn’t been considered for even a minor role, given his contribution to Angrezi Medium. All he yearned for was a fleeting moment to embrace Irrfan. Not long after, Irrfan himself phoned Manu, sent him tickets, and extended an invitation to Udaipur. Manu went primarily to hug his friend. However, at that time, he found it difficult to perform, as he recognized that Irrfan was gradually fading away. Instead, he chose to savor their dwindling moments together. Although Irrfan Khan is no longer with us, Manu holds dear the message he received from him.
Manu Rishi reminisced about the time Irrfan Khan suggested him to a well-known director for writing a movie. When the director doubted his capabilities, Manu assertively responded by telling the director that he could either have faith in his work or trust Irrfan’s endorsement. Manu also brought up the point that if the director hadn’t seen his work, he wouldn’t be questioning his abilities. He posed a question to the director, asking how he would feel if someone asked him to direct a scene for approval. Upon learning that the director had directed six films, Manu countered by mentioning that he had written eleven. He made it clear that his annoyance wasn’t due to a lack of recognition but rather from the director’s unwillingness to trust Irrfan’s suggestion.
In addition to remembering, Manu noted that on the same evening, Irrfan Khan stopped by. Instead of reprimanding him for challenging the director, Irrfan commended him for his bravery. As Manu opened the door, Irrfan exclaimed, “You’re either going to die or survive.” This display of self-respect was spot on, according to Irrfan. This interaction left a deep impact on Manu, as Irrfan appreciated his determination and courage.
2020’s Angrezi Medium is a Bollywood movie helmed by Homi Adajania and is a continuation of the 2017 film Hindi Medium. The cast includes Irrfan Khan, Radhika Madan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, with the story revolving around the heartwarming journey of a father, Champak (portrayed by Irrfan), as he strives to fulfill his daughter Tarika’s (Radhika Madan) dream of attending university in London. The film gained recognition for its poignant acting, with Irrfan Khan’s portrayal of the devoted father being particularly noteworthy.
Irrfan Khan was an acclaimed Indian actor who excelled in a variety of roles across both Bollywood and Hollywood films. His career began with impactful performances in movies like Maqbool and The Namesake. Known for his subtle yet powerful acting, he starred in critically-acclaimed films such as Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, and Hindi Medium. He also gained international fame with roles in Hollywood productions like Life of Pi, Jurassic World, and Slumdog Millionaire. Tragically, Irrfan passed away from a neuroendocrine tumor in April 2020, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Indian film industry.
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2024-08-16 07:23