The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Irrfan Khan
Entertainment • Actor

Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan (born Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan) was an Indian actor, director, and producer known for work in Hindi cinema and international films.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Irrfan Khan (born Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan) was an Indian actor, director, and producer known for work in Hindi cinema and international films. Born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, he became widely recognized for performances in films such as The Warrior, Slumdog Millionaire, and Life of Pi. He died in Mumbai in 2020 at age 53.

Early life and education

Irrfan Khan was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, into a Muslim family. He later studied at the National School of Drama in New Delhi after beginning postgraduate studies.

Career

He began with television work and moved into films, eventually becoming one of India’s best-known actors. His career included both Hindi-language productions and international English-language films.

International recognition

Khan gained global attention through roles in films including The Warrior, Slumdog Millionaire, and Life of Pi. He also appeared in other international productions such as The Namesake, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Jurassic World.

Awards and honours

Khan received several awards during his career, including a National Film Award and Filmfare Awards. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2011.

Death

Khan died in Mumbai on 29 April 2020 at the age of 53. Sources report that he had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018.

Key facts

  • Irrfan Khan was an Indian actor, director, and producer known for work in Hindi cinema and international films.
  • He studied at the National School of Drama in New Delhi.
  • His international recognition increased through roles in films such as The Warrior, Slumdog Millionaire, and Life of Pi.
  • He received major Indian honours including the Padma Shri.
  • He died in 2020 after being diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Irrfan Khan?
Irrfan Khan was an Indian actor, director, and producer known for acclaimed work in Hindi cinema and international films.
What was Irrfan Khan’s birth name?
His birth name was Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan.
When and where was he born?
He was born on 7 January 1967 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
What are some of his best-known films?
He is known for The Warrior, Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, The Namesake, and Jurassic World.
Did he receive major awards?
Yes. He received major honours including the Padma Shri and won awards such as a National Film Award and Filmfare Awards.
When did he die?
He died on 29 April 2020 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, at the age of 53.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0451234/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, occupations, and basic filmography.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52471659
    Supports: Death, age at death, and his international reputation.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrfan_Khan
    Supports: Birth/death dates, major awards, notable films, and diagnosis-related death information.
  4. BookMyShow — https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/irrfan-khan/861
    Supports: Career overview, awards, and broad filmography.